The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) will have two public meetings for community members offer feedback as the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI) transitions from a city-run program to a nonprofit organization.
The public meetings will take place in LHPAI’s Grand Rehearsal Hall (104 17th Ave.) on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and on Nov. 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Adult supervision and activities will be provided for children ages 4 to 12.
The public meetings are part of a larger effort that includes a dozen focus groups. A community survey is forthcoming.
The new LHPAI nonprofit should be operational starting in 2016. In 2018 ,it will become financially responsible for all staffing and programs. The City of Seattle will continue to own, operate and be responsible for major maintenance on the building.
The LHPAI transition plan was approved by Seattle City Council in December 2013.
LHPAI is housed in what was formerly the Jewish synagogue of Chevra Bikur Cholim. The building is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places as a historical landmark.
The Institute was established in 1969 to provide cultural space and was part of Seattle Parks and Recreation from 1971 to 2012. In January 2013, LHPAI moved from Seattle Parks & Recreation to the Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS).
Over the last two years, ARTS, working with LHPAI and the Seattle Arts Commission, developed a plan for the long-term operations of LHPAI.