A City for the Arts: The Arts Economy of Eugene
Time: Noon to 1:15 pm
Venue: Midtown Arts Center
174 E 16th Ave
Eugene, Oregon
97401
Midtown Arts Center is located on ground floor of the Midtown at 16th and Pearl. Street parking is available. An optional lunch provided by Pint Pot may be purchased; please, no outside food.
Ask a question of the speakers! cityclubofeugene@gmail.com
Topic:
In 2005, Eugene officially declared itself, “The world’s greatest city for the arts.” A few years later, recognizing that other cities may take umbrage at our boastful characterization, Eugene dialed it back to, “A great city for the arts.” Of that there is no dispute.
For generations, Eugene has been home to a thriving arts scene, one that not only makes our community more vibrant and livable, but also one that is an increasingly significant driver of economic opportunity and well-being.
Take a deep dive into the Arts Economy of Eugene with an expert panel of local leaders. Read the full report of the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene as well as the proposed legislation mentioned in the program.
We hope to see you at the Midtown Arts Center, 174 E 16th Ave.
Speakers
Title: Executive Director
Organization: Arts & Business Alliance of Eugene
Website: https://artsbusinessalliance.org/
Biography:
Kelly Johnson has served as Executive Director for the Arts & Business Alliance of Eugene since 2018.
She brings to her role a lifelong passion for the arts and over a decade of experience in nonprofit administration. She earned a BA in theatre from the University of Colorado at Denver and an MS in arts administration from the University of Oregon.
When not enjoying Eugene’s spectacular arts and culture scene, Kelly is curled up with a good book, taking a long walk around town, or cheering in the stands at a Ducks football game.
Title: Executive Director
Organization: Eugene Ballet
Website: https://eugeneballet.org/
Biography:
Josh Neckels was named Executive Director of Eugene Ballet in July 2016, after serving in numerous production, finance, and education roles for Eugene Ballet since 1996.
Since becoming Executive Director, Josh has led Eugene Ballet’s $6.8-million capital campaign for the design, construction, and purchase of the new facilities at the Midtown Arts Center. He has increased Eugene Ballet’s presence in Eugene from twelve performances in 2015-16 to a scheduled eighteen performances in the Hult Center for 2023-24, resulting in a 156% increase in attendance.
In addition to his work with Eugene Ballet, Josh has had a significant impact on many of the other local performing arts organizations in Eugene. He currently serves on the board of the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon.
Josh earned a BS in psychology at the University of Oregon.
Title: President & CEO
Organization: Travel Lane County
Website: https://www.eugenecascadescoast.org/
Biography:
Kari Westlund has four decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with the past 27 as President and CEO of Travel Lane County, marketing the Eugene, Cascades, and Coast region of Oregon. Kari is a past chair of the Arts & Business Alliance of Eugene, Cultural Services Advisory Committee, Oregon Tourism Commission, and Oregon Track Club.
She is currently serving on the national TravelAbility Advisory Board and the Destinations International Accreditation Board, along with local boards and committees. Kari is an outdoor adventurer, arts patron, and consumer of local food and beverage – all experiences abundant in Lane County.
