Come in from the cold tonight and join Mayor Mike McGinn in giving a warm welcome to Vincent Kitch, whom the mayor recently named to lead the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.
The meet-n-greet is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at City Hall. Enter on 5th Avenue between James and Cherry streets. Brief remarks at 6 p.m. We’ll have food and music by Julio Jauregui and his trio. No need to RSVP. Just come on down.
Vincent has worked in the arts for nearly 20 years, most recently as the Cultural Arts Program Manager for the City of Austin, Texas. Previously, he was the Education and Capital Improvement Programs Coordinator for the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs; the founding director of the Ysleta High School Performing Arts Magnet Program in El Paso, Texas; and the Arts Program Coordinator for the City of El Paso.
Vincent has served as a volunteer mentor for the Kennedy Center’s Arts in Crisis Program, as an executive committee member of the Americans for the Arts United States Urban Arts Federation, and on numerous other local, state and national boards and committees. Professionally trained in music, Vincent holds a Master of Music degree from Illinois State University and bachelor’s degrees in music business and trombone performance from Quincy University.
Vincent is scheduled to start work April 4. His appointment is subject to City Council confirmation.
M G says
Very disappointing event! I went to hear Mr. Kitch speak- I wanted to know about his vision, passion, curiosity and commitment to our City.
He hardly spoke, basically said “I am used to being the new guy in town and I need your help– thanks for being here” and then ended his comments and chatted with people he arlready knew.
He showed no passion, little curiosity and if he has vision or ideas he sure didn’t let us know about them. The Mayor and he search committee said that “he has the total package” and he is a “great asset and a great choice.” Really? It seems to me as if he does not know what we need from a man charged with leading an office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.
We need someone who takes the time and responsibility to prepare and engage and is a LEADER, and someone who takes the people who are involved in creating Arts and Culture in this city seriously enough to not waste their time.
I am willing to give Mr. Kitch another chance- but he seriously needs to step up to the plate and do better. Acting as if he truly wants to be here and ask specific questions and ideas would be a great start.