Jameel Jones
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
Cultural Arts Manager for the Champaign Park District
Q. What do you do on a daily basis?
I collaborate with staff on new programming ideas, develop partnerships within the community, oversee staff, and troubleshoot problems.
Q. What is your role in selecting the events at the historic Virginia Theatre?
My staff and I review, solicit, budget, plan, and implement the events at the Theatre.
Q. What types of events are held at the Hays Center? What's your most memorable event?
There are senior programs, art classes for ages 3–6, art exhibits, martial arts classes. The most memorable even that I
participated in was a senior potluck followed by a lively game of cards with senior "card sharks."
Q. Do you decide what events occur at the Springer Cultural Center?
I brainstorm with staff to determine the direction of the Cultural Arts programming, I am the yay or nay man.
Q. Do you handle or create the marketing for events?
Staff create and plan marketing with my input and approval.
Q. How do you partner with the Champaign Community?
I am a voting member of Champaign County Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Council and serve on the Programs and Services
Committee. I also plan the meetings, direction, and services for Champaign County Cultural Consortium and handle the finances.
Q. What do you like best about what you do?
What I like best—my staff, creative control, and hearing people comment on how great a show, movie, or event was during attendance.