Louisiana Landmarks Society Welcomes a New Staff Member

A long-time arts administrator and arts advocate in New Orleans, Karen Kern recently joined the Louisiana Landmarks staff as a part-time grants coordinator and program assistant.  A pioneer of  independent video, Karen joined the staff of the New Orleans Video Access Center in 1977 and served as its director from 1982 – 1989, securing its first NEA funding as a Media Arts Center, creating the La. Video Shorts Festival, and playing an active role in developing New Orleans’ first cable access system and video training program. She was a founding board member of the New Orleans Film Society and its festival and served on its board for many years.  In 1997, Karen began working at the Arts Council of N. O. where she served as a grants officer for 16 years, helping artists and organizations develop projects and proposals; she also provided local and statewide advocacy leadership to grow public support for the cultural sector.  As a freelancer since then, Karen has worked as a grant writer, event liaison for the Pitot House, gardener and vintage retailer. An ardent follower of local culture and history, Karen is delighted to contribute to Landmark’s mission.