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Vivian Phillips is new Seattle Arts Commission chair

The Seattle Arts Commission and the Office of Arts & Culture welcomes new chair Vivian Phillips, director of marketing and communications for the Seattle Theatre Group. Phillips succeeds Michael Seiwerath who will become vice chair. The Seattle Arts Commission is an advocacy and advisory body for the City of Seattle. As a priority for 2015, the group has committed to addressing racial inequity in the arts and recently completed a two-day racial equity training, led by the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.

VPhilips“This is an extremely exciting time to be leading a body whose work has been critical to the arts vitality of our city.  Amid equally critical challenges facing our region and the world, I am honored to take up the mantle and lead the charge for greater equity in the arts as well as continuing the important work of assuring that the arts continues to be top of mind for our policy-makers.  Michael set the stage with his apt leadership and I hope to perform in a way that strengthens what is already in play,” says Phillips.

Phillips is the director of marketing and communications for Seattle Theatre Group, where she oversees the marketing, communications and social media engagement for three historic theatres in Seattle. Previously she’s served as the managing director for Hansberry Project at ACT Theatre, executive manager for the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, and communications director at the office of Mayor Paul Schell. Vivian has served on a variety of arts boards and commissions, as well as having been an adjunct professor at Seattle University’s MFA Arts Management Program.  In addition to the Arts Commission, Vivian currently serves on the Puget Sound Public Radio/ KUOW Board of Directors, and represents Seattle Theatre Group to the Africa Contemporary Arts Consortium.  An avid arts advocate, Vivian is dedicated to assuring access to enriching arts and cultural experiences and mentoring upcoming arts leaders

The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the office of Arts & Culture’s mission to activate and sustain Seattle through arts and culture. Commission members include artists, arts professionals and other citizens with diverse backgrounds and strong links to Seattle’s arts community.

For more information on the Seattle Arts Commission, go here: http://www.seattle.gov/arts/aboutus/commission.asp

Photo by Jerry and Lois Photography