The Vera Project announced today that Tim Lennon will join the all-ages music and art organization as its new executive director.
“Vera’s staff, members and board are thrilled that Tim will be leading this beloved organization,” said Chris Nelson, chair of Vera’s board of directors. “We were all impressed by Tim’s energy, his ideas for Vera’s future, and his commitment to social justice.”
Lennon has worked in Seattle’s arts community for more than a decade. He comes to Vera from the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, where he oversees summer concerts, the Mayor’s Arts Awards, public space arts activations and other events. He was program manager for The Next 50 series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1962 World’s Fair at Seattle Center, which is also home to Vera. Over the years, he has also worked with One Reel, Elliott Bay Book Company and the University of Washington.
In January, he was a featured panelist at Vera’s “Ferguson Seattle: Mobilizing Our Community” open discussion on racial issues in Seattle.
“The Vera community has fundamentally changed the local arts, music and political landscapes,” Lennon said. “It also fundamentally changes the lives of all who’ve found a home here. I am honored and beyond excited to serve the members, volunteers, staff and board in building on that legacy and helping them take Vera to the next level.”
One of Lennon’s first tasks will be working leading Vera through a strategic planning process with Andy Fife and Michele Scoleri, longtime Seattle arts leaders who have served as co-interim directors of Vera during the past year.
“This is a fantastic time for Vera,” Nelson said. “Along with SIFF and our soon-to-be neighbor, KEXP, Vera is helping to create an electric environment on the Uptown corner of Seattle Center. We’re eager for Vera members and staff, led by Tim, to make it one of the city’s most exciting creative hubs.”
There will be a public reception at The Vera Project to welcome Tim Lennon on Thursday, April 9th at 8pm.
About The Vera Project
VERA—an acronym for the Latin “Veri Et Recti Amici,” or “true and sincere friends”—is an all-ages volunteer-fueled music and arts venue. By engaging participants at all levels of music production and community organizing, Vera fulfills its mission to foster a participatory creative culture through popular music concerts, arts programs, experiential learning and volunteer opportunities for all ages, especially young people. Vera’s programs are always all ages, with a focus on young people ages 14 to 24.