Media
She Makes Programs at Complex Sing
By Bill Mayr
The Columbus Dispatch
Photo by Chris Russell/Dispatch
August 25, 2003Don't be surprised if Jennifer Miller sings to herself. She's performing arts director at the King Arts Complex , and a singer to boot.
She might even be singing because she's happy with her job. "I know I'm in the right place now," she said about the King Complex at 867 Mount Vernon Ave., which offers performances, art exhibitions and cultural programs for adults and children.
Each year, Miller is responsible for presenting roughly 30 dance, music, theater and literary events by national and local artists.
Last (season) was our biggest year; we had about 35 events. "We're keeping it to about 25 to 30 because the complex can't afford the additional staff" to support more shows, Miller said.
A big part of her job "is figuring how we can remain fiscally responsible and still grow our programs."
Like other cultural organizations, the King Arts Complex has tightened its budget - it shrank to $1.3 million from $1.4 million last year, Miller said.
Miller, 27, is a Shelby native who holds dual bachelor's degrees in music and history from Capital University. Before joining the King Arts Complex two years ago, she was program director for the Music in the Air program of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
In her spare time, she sings at local clubs and private parties with a combo she put together.
"I've known my whole life I've wanted to sing. I can remember my first prayer, over and over again asking God for a beautiful voice. I just love songs; it doesn't really matter what the genre is."
Miller learned the value of work from her parents. "I've been in the workforce since I was 8. My parents owned a bakery and diner. I ran the cash register; I ran the bakery case; I waitressed."
Her career hasn't been planned to the nth degree. "It's not like anybody grows up and says, 'Boy, I want to be an arts administrator.' It's more a case that the field called me."
Booking acts can be a challenge. "It's not just a question of 'Wow, they're good; lets get them.' It's a question of can we afford them; are they touring; does their schedule align with ours; do we have the tech for them; can we afford the transportation? The sun and moon really have to align."
King Arts is trying to develop multidisciplinary cultural events, she said, such as "All That Dance," slated for the spring with performances, workshops, and art exhibition and panel discussions.
Miller said she thinks the King Complex is playing an increasing role in the cultural scene. "It is growing and stabilizing in every facet of operations. Despite the (financial) crunch, it is getting better attendance and more notice.
"One of the misconceptions is that the complex is only for African-Americans, and that's not true. It's for everyone, and I can speak from my personal experience. When people come here and try it out, they come back."
Miller said she wants to make a positive impact on Columbus culture.
"I want this art scene to be as strong as it can be. Of all the cities in Ohio, I think this is where it most likely can happen."Reprinted with permission from The Columbus Dispatch
Jen Miller
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