The Vera Project - Overview

Overview

Based on the Vera club in Groningen, Netherlands, Seattle's VERA Project was founded in 2001 by James Keblas, Shannon Stewart (both studied at the University of Groningen in 1999), and Kate Becker (founder of the Old Redmond Firehouse), along with the help of many other community organizers and the City of Seattle.

Quoting from the Vera Project's web site,

Vera is an all-ages volunteer fueled music and arts venue. By engaging participants at all levels of music production and community organizing, Vera strives to fulfill its mission to foster a participatory creative culture through popular music concerts, arts programs, experiential learning and volunteer opportunities for all ages, especially young people.Vera’s programs are always all ages, with a focus on young people ages 14 to 24. Most Vera programs are at the Seattle Center venue, and include:

• 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 volunteers, staff, Board of Directors and youth-led Membership.