What's up with Lee?

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We’ve had so many people ask us, “Where’s Lee? and “What’s up with Lee?” that we thought it might be best to go straight to the horse’s mouth and ask Lee Snelgrove, the former executive director of One Columbia for Arts and Culture, exactly what he’s up to so he can make sure everyone has the details straight.

So, without further ado, here’s What’s Up with Lee?

Lee Snelgrove, What exactly is your new job?

I'm the Arts and Culture Manager at Richland Library. 

What kind of things will you be doing?

This is a newly created position that was part of the development of an Events and Experience department of the Library, so I have the opportunity to figure out what exactly the role will be. I expect to focus on developing the arts and cultural programming the library presents, but I'll also be handling some other non-arts programming for adults. I plan to work with each of the 13 library locations to identify ways to tailor programming for adults by identifying the types of activities in which the community is interested and working directly with area residents to create new programming that best serves them. I also plan to foster new partnerships with artists and arts organizations. And, just as I have been for the last several years, I'll be focused on ensuring increased access to arts and cultural opportunities for all residents across the City of Columbia and Richland County. 

Are you still connected to One Columbia?

For a short time, I'll be serving One Columbia as an interim Public Art Administrator to ensure that the public art projects that were already in the works will continue and to help transfer knowledge to other staff that will be responsible for carrying on the organization's efforts in regards to public art. 

Who will be the new Lee?

No one is expected to be a "new Lee." The OC board will be working over the next few months to identify the organization's needs and hone a job description for a new Executive Director before they start a broad search for someone to fill the position. The organization has changed tremendously since its inception and the growth of One Columbia's role will require someone with different experience and training than I had when I started. 

And, how do you like it so far?

I'm really enjoying being part of such a great team. As most people know, Richland Library staff are smart, passionate folks that care deeply about providing services and programming to everyone in Richland County. I'm excited to learn from them and to work with library staff and customers to figure out new ways for every Richland County resident to engage with arts and culture. Already I'm getting to work on some very fun things, like helping to coordinate the Small Talk with George Clinton on June 8 at the Township Auditorium and an event organized by Jasper's own Al Black called Ukweli: Midlands Writers and Poets Explore Racism on June 25.