Photo/Michael B. Maine
LANGSTON, the new non-profit arts organization recently established after an extensive community process to guide programming intended to strengthen and advance community through Black arts and culture, recently announced the selection of Tim Lennon as Executive Director.
“Tim’s combined experience working at the City of Seattle, with local festivals, and with artists, makers and non-profit organizations makes him the ideal person to carry out the mission of this new arts organization and launch it to success,” said Inye Wokoma, president of the board of LANGSTON. “We are so excited that such a dynamic local arts leader and community collaborator will be LANGSTON’s first executive director.”
Lennon has held leadership and programming positions in Seattle at several non-profit organizations and public sector offices, including: The Vera Project, Office of Arts & Culture, Seattle Center Foundation, and One Reel. His current board service includes The Washington Bus and the Seattle Music Commission for which he chairs the advocacy and economic development committee. He is an alumnus of the Leadership Tomorrow program and currently serves on its curriculum committee, and was selected in 2017 for Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program.
Lennon also played a key role in supporting the transition process for LANGSTON, which centered on creating a community-led organization that resides within the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Lennon has also been an advocate for and planning advisor to the Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District. “I’m inspired by Seattle’s artists, collaborators and community partners who are passionate about the legacy of LANGSTON, and I look forward to continuing work of establishing a thriving arts and cultural institution in this historic space named for one of America’s most prolific artists of African descent,” said Lennon. “In partnership with the local and broader community, we will build upon the existing legacy and further cultivate Black brilliance through robust arts and cultural programs.”
Lennon will begin his tenure on January 3, 2018.
