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The Vera Project
The Vera Project (Vera) is a music and arts center dedicated to fostering a participatory creative culture through popular music concerts, arts programs, experiential learning and volunteer opportunities for all ages, especially young people.
Description:
Vera’s programming serves people of all ages, with a focus on teens and young adults, and occurs primarily at Vera’s Seattle Center venue. Programming serves over 37,000 annually and includes:
- Popular music concerts
- Audio engineering training
- Youth-driven governance
- Visual art exhibits
- Live and studio recording
- Leadership training
- Silkscreen printing/classes
- Event production training
- Internships
These activities are initiated and driven collaboratively by Vera’s youth-led Membership , volunteers, staff and Board. Programming blends the energy, talent and resourcefulness of Vera’s participants with the expertise of some of Seattle's most experienced community leaders.
History:
Vera was founded in 2001 in response to Seattle’s need for youth-accessible music. In Seattle, the vast majority of popular music concerts are restricted to those of drinking age and local ordinances made all-ages concerts prohibitively expensive; young people were left without a means to experience or participate in the city’s legendary music scene. Vera’s programs meet that need.
Vera’s first two years were spent producing concerts in rented halls. In 2002 Vera moved to a full-time space in downtown Seattle which allowed Vera to expand programming to include visual art shows, sound engineering and silkscreen classes, internships, break-dancing classes, event production training and more. Vera also reduced its dependence on public funds by including more earned income and private support. After being forced to move again in 2006 due to redevelopment, Vera opened its first long-term home in February 2007. The custom-built venue at the Seattle Center includes a 362-capacity showroom, recording studio, visual art gallery/small show space, and a silkscreen studio. Vera is supported by a combination of private donations, public support, earned income and hundreds of volunteers.
Vera now includes comprehensive music and arts industry training that gives young people both skills and hands-on experience in the many realms of live and recorded music, while putting youth in leadership positions within the organization. Vera continues to provide quality all-ages concerts every week and serves over 37,000 annually. Vera’s unique model has also proved replicable, inspiring similar youth-driven music spaces in other communities.
Contact people:
Main office number: (206) 956-8372Office fax number: (206) 374-8372
Address:
Web Site: http://www.theveraproject.org
Directions:
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Nearest Bus Stop: 1st Ave N & Republican, 1 minute walk |
Miscellaneous Information
| Liability |
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Yes
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| Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers? |
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Yes
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| Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18? |
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Yes
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| Last updated on October 8, 2009 |
Volunteer Reflections
Post Your Own!
The Vera Project
5
Overall Experience
viva VERA! Let the kids dance, indeed!
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I've been volunteering for the Vera Project in a variety of capacities for almost 3 years. Whether it's been stuffing fundraiser envelopes, running the sound board at shows, coordinating the volunteer schedule or any number of odd tasks, I've done it for one reason: love. There are very few things I love, like I love Vera.
Growing up in Seattle, music and concerts were an important part of my life and definitely had a substantial impact on my life and direction. For that reason, resources like Vera are important to me-- a place where people of All-Ages can attend a music or art event in a place that is safe, community-driven, and dedicated to empowering youth.
There are more than a few clubs which host All-Ages concerts in town-- but what separates Vera from the rest is the diverse community of committed volunteers who run the space and give it its charm and character. I've volunteered more than my share of 12 hour days for Vera and am still motivated and happy to do it when the work is called for.
posted on September 9, 2005 |
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