Taped up to the door of Media Services is this sign. There have been many changes at 911 Seattle Media Arts Center. Executive Director Misha Neininger was laid off last November. Education Director Tina Aufiero left to join the video faculty at Cornish College of the Arts in January. Education Coordinator Ian Harrison passed away suddenly in late January causing great sadness in our community. All that is left are Jonh Schwartz and myself and some incredible volunteers and interns.

Jonh and I have worked together in Media Services for three years. This desk is where we ran the operations for the center. By operations, I mean everything from screenings, installation of art exhibits, equipment rentals, scheduling of rooms and janitorial duties. We do not work here any more because the Center needs us to be up front where the files, phones and public are. We miss the proximity of being close to the equipment by are enjoying natural light for the first time.

This desk is where Jonh works. Having a staff of two means that we can start to dismantle the dysfunctional structure that has always dogged 911 Media. Abolished are all titles and departments and we encourage you to talk to us as just staff. The top down hierarchical structure that seems to be so popular in business just does not work for a community driven arts organization. 911 Media is not a business but a public good. Our mission is to provide affordable access to the tools of technology and to promote media literacy. We measure not by profit and loss but by service and empowerment. We are trying to become the most transparent 501 [c] 3 non profit in Seattle.

Here is where I work. Jonh and I are now responsible for all aspects of the Center. We do all we did before and more. Because we share responsibilities, we can squeeze more efficiencies out of our limited resources. Ultimately we serve our members and regularly report to the Board who represent the membership. We are learning a lot and are looking forward to August 14th, 2009 when 911 Media turns 25 years old. If you call the center [(206) 682-6552] Jonh is extension 12 and I am at extension 14.

Better yet, now is the time for all good people to join us in our vision for affordable access and media literacy for our community by becoming a member of 911 Media. Click this link to join. If you would like to make a donation, Click this link.