By Aneesa Grant, The Seattle Medium
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has launched a nationwide search for the permanent director of the City’s Office of Arts & Culture. The mayor has appointed a selection committee of 16 prominent Seattle arts leaders and stakeholders to guide the rigorous selection process. The position opened on March 13, 2023, and applications received by 4:00 P.M. PST on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, will receive first consideration.
“Seattle has always been a hub for creatives and visionaries, and we need to continue to support and develop our world-class arts scene. The next permanent Office of Arts & Culture director must further strengthen our creative landscape – convening artists across mediums, expanding public arts, supporting a next generation of artists, and, most importantly, creating a culture in Seattle where arts are ever present in every community,” said Harrell.
The selection committee is made up of 16 members who represent different perspectives in Seattle’s diverse arts community, including council members, executive directors, and representatives from city offices, healthcare, and businesses.
During the spring, the committee will identify applicants, interview candidates, and recommend at least three finalists for the mayor. The search process will also include three community conversations open to Seattle residents, where they can provide feedback about what priorities and values they would like to see in the next director. The events will be facilitated in partnership by City staff and arts organizations. Additionally, residents can complete an online survey to share their opinions on the search process.
The selection committee is comprised the following members: Kate Becker, Creative Economy Director at Office of King County Executive Dow Constantine; Catalina Cantu, Board President and Co-Founding member La Sala; Manuel Cawaling, Executive Director, Inspire Washington; Steven Eng, Accounting Services – Employee Representative, Seattle Office of Arts + Culture; Josh LaBelle, Executive Director, Seattle Theatre Group; Erika Lindsay, Chief Communications Officer – Employee Representative, Seattle Office of Arts + Culture; Aleksa Manila, Genderqueer performer, multiple drag pageant winner, and healthcare worker; James Miles, Assistant Professor, Seattle University; Executive Director of Third Stone; Nate Miles, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives – State Government Affairs, Eli Lilly and Company; Eric Nelson, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Nordic Museum; Tammy J. Morales, Councilmember, District 2, Chair Neighborhoods, Education, Civil Rights and Culture; Sam Pailca, Associate General Counsel, Regulatory Enforcement Litigation, Microsoft; Dr. Judith Rayl, Fine Art Photographer and President of Board of Directors at Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA); Steven Severin, Co-Owner, Neumos; Co-President and Director of Music Programming, New Rising Sun (Curator and Producer of Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Arts & Music Festival); Earnest Thomas, President, Onyx Fine Arts Collective; and Ellen Walker, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Three community conversations will be held on the following dates and locations:
• Tues., March 28, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, 104 17th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
• Thurs., March 30, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
• Fri., March 31, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
Harrell hopes the search committee will identify a director who can bring to life his vision for activating the screens, stages, and spaces across Seattle with art experiences for all neighbors.
“From the theater to the symphony, the SAM to Art Walk, Harbor Island to school classrooms, we must activate the screens, stages, and spaces across Seattle with art experiences for all neighbors,” said Harrell. “This search committee is designed to identify the director who can bring that vision to life – tapping into the lived experience and professional expertise of creative economy and development leaders, City staff and elected officials, and partners from local institutions.”
Interested candidates can submit their applications for the position until 4:00 P.M. PST on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.
