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Killoren accepts new position with the National Endowment for the Arts

Mayor Michael McGinn today announced his acceptance of the resignation of Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs Director Michael Killoren, who is leaving Seattle to serve as discipline director for Local Arts Agencies / Challenge America Fast-Track for the National Endowment for the Arts.  His resignation is effective October 5.

“I am grateful for Michael’s service to Seattle. I am glad he can pursue his commitment to local arts agencies in this new national position,” said McGinn. “We look forward to working with the Arts Commissioners to hire his successor, and to carry on the work of the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.”

During Killoren’s eight-year tenure as director (2002-2010), the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs broadened its programs and services to provide greater public access to arts and culture, especially in communities of color, launching the innovative smART ventures program, the Neighborhood and Community Arts program, and a ground-breaking partnership with Seattle Public Schools to restore arts education for every student.

“It has been an honor to serve in Seattle, a city with one of the highest concentrations of arts and arts-related businesses in the nation, and one of the most innovative and collaborative cultural sectors to found anywhere,” said Killoren.

“While I am pleased at this amazing opportunity for Michael, I know I speak for my fellow Commissioners and our constituencies when I say we will miss his wise counsel and unfailing commitment to Seattle’s arts and culture community,” said Dorothy H. Mann, chair of the Seattle Arts Commission.  “His sense of teamwork, respect and commitment to the  relationship between the Commission and the Office of Arts and Culture Affairs has contributed to a model public/private partnership.  I know he will bring that same sense of responsibility to his work with the NEA.”

Here are only a selection of initiatives and accomplishments achieved under Killoren’s leadership:

  • Mayor’s Arts Awards launched
  • smART ventures program receives Seattle Management Association Award for Excellence in 2008
  • Arts education included in Seattle School District Five-Year Plan
  • Instituted annual State of Arts Education Forum and School Board Candidate forums
  • Launched groundbreaking Arts Education Partnership Initiative with Seattle Public Schools to restore arts education
  • OnHold highlights local artists on City phone system
  • Coordinated Centennial Celebration of 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition
  • Hosted Americans for the Arts national meeting in 2009
  • Creative Vitality Index study launched
  • Arts & Economic Prosperity study launched
  • Creative Industries Report (annual) launched
  • All digital application and review process (Culture Grants Online / Café)
  • Managed more than $2.5m in cultural capital contracts
  • Commissioned South Lake Union developer incentives study for dedicated cultural space
  • One of only 16 local arts agencies nationwide to secure $250,000 in ARRA funds for arts jobs
  • Launched cultural activation of City Hall with concerts and exhibitions
  • Launched Civic Partner Appreciation Event to honor City cultural partners
  • Increased Arts & Cultural Affairs budget by $1m in 2008
  • Civic Partner Organization funding increased by 20% in 2008
  • Secured increased dedicated revenue (75% of Admission Tax)

“It has been an honor to serve in Seattle, a city with one of the highest concentrations of arts and arts-related businesses in the nation, and one of the most innovative and collaborative cultural sectors to found anywhere,” said Killoren.