Wednesday, March 19, 2025 — Intersection for the Arts is greatly saddened to announce the sudden passing of our friend, colleague, and Executive Co-Director Scott Nielsen. Scott passed away from natural causes on March 14, 2025.
“Intersection has always drawn bright souls to its sacred mission of supporting artists to do work that is dearly needed in this world. Scott was one of the brightest. He truly saw his work as service. He always went the extra mile for people and his joy and care were not only felt, but he inspired us all with his graciousness. His passing leaves our hearts tender but grateful that we were the lucky folx who got to live and work alongside him. He will be forever part of our Intersection family.” says Intersection’s Executive Co-Director, Yesenia Sanchez.
“On behalf of Intersection’s Board of Directors, we extend our deepest sympathy to Scott’s family during this difficult time. An outstanding leader and a warm-hearted soul, Scott was a tireless advocate for the arts who lived and breathed dedication to Intersection. Scott was also a dear friend to so many of us on the Board. He treated all who crossed his path with respect, compassion, and kindness. We will miss his presence in our lives. Together, we will honor his memory and ensure that his legacy lives on.” says Intersection’s Board Chair, Scott Flicker.
Scott was a part of Intersection for over a decade. He began as an intern in 2014 before becoming a board member in 2017 and the Director of Finance in 2019. In 2020, Scott became Intersection’s Executive Co-Director.
Scott helped Intersection, and by extension, our artist community, weather the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked tirelessly to support the financial health of Intersection, the development of Intersection/s staff and Board, and, of course, our 140+ fiscally sponsored projects, which, on an annual basis, touch the lives of so many Bay Area community members. Scott always applied genuine care and service to the organization, to which we are indebted.
Scott will forever be remembered as an earnest, genuine, loving spirit. He adored drinking copious amounts of coffee, snacking on Jelly-Bellies (except the popcorn flavor!), and pouring his creative spirit into planning his travels. One of Scott’s lifelong loves was the theatre. He adored musicals (one of his favorites was Dear Evan Hanson) and spent his free time attending as many theatrical productions as possible.
Before his untimely departure, Scott was planning a trip to Portland to visit friends. During a recent staff meeting, a coworker suggested he dress like a gnome. While he bashfully declined the offer, he still wrote “dress as gnome” in his planner.
He will be remembered by the Intersection work family for treating everyone with the utmost respect, for his highly skilled financial skills, and for his silly side, which his coworkers adored.
Scott’s family has requested that donations in his honor be made to Intersection for the Arts or another arts organization of your choosing. You can make your donation in Scott’s name here. We are deeply grateful for your donation, which celebrates Scott’s work and legacy at Intersection.