Booker departs Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Sept. 25
Leader praised for strengthening arts community; next chapter takes him to Florida
Mount Vernon Arts Consortium staff members Megan Evans, left, Martin Booker and Ian Ernsberger relax after the Jay Leno concert at the Knox Memorial Building recently. Booker is stepping away as executive director of the consortium on Sept. 25.
Submitted
Under the leadership of Martin Booker, the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium’s first executive director, collaboration and creativity have been at the heart of the organization’s founding.
“Today we share our gratitude as we announce Martin Booker’s resignation from the Arts Consortium and wish him well in applying his vision-building skills for the benefit of a growing cultural destination community,” said Jason Booth, president, Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Board. “Martin made a lasting impact over the last four years, pushing us all forward to build collaboration around a more sustainable, coordinated arts system, for which we are all grateful.” Booker will begin a new role starting in October focused on cultural programming development and venue management in Florida.
From successfully testing local and visitor market reach in hosting an Ace Frehley concert at The Woodward Opera House, to developing annual ‘Summer Kickoff’ ticketed concerts at Ariel-Foundation Park, to a special Knox Memorial 100th anniversary event with comedian Jay Leno, Martin has shown his ability to strategically plan and partner toward initiatives that benefit this community, noted Laura Hess, vice president, Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Board.
“Understanding economic drivers associated with arts and entertainment not only benefit key venues, but have a ripple effect, impacting local businesses, and visitor tourism attractions and interests,” said Hess.
Leaving Mount Vernon and Knox County is not going to be easy for Booker but comes at a time when the arts community is stronger than ever. Development of the “Mount Vernon Presents” annual season is a legacy developed through Booker’s leadership.
“The story of the Arts Consortium is the story of a team, a network of the arts partners, and a community who believed in one another, and in doing so, created something far greater than any one of us could have imagined,” said Booker. “I am humbled by what we accomplished proving that when passion and purpose unite, the arts become a true force for growth and connection. Mount Vernon, my hometown, will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Booker’s last day with the Arts Consortium is Sept. 25.
