EMP Hires Seasoned Museum Director as Interim CEO.

SEATTLE -- Experience Music Project (EMP) and the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM), Seattle's critically acclaimed museums of popular culture, today announced the hiring of Josi Callan, former director and CEO of the Museum of Glass in Tacoma and the San Jose Museum of Art, to serve as interim CEO. Additionally, the museums' Artistic Director Bob Santelli will be stepping down to take a senior executive position with a West Coast-based national organization which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Josi Callan

In her new role Callan will be responsible for overall management of EMP and SFM including exhibitions, education and public programs, financial management and fundraising. Callan previously served as a consultant with EMP on the exhibition, DoubleTake: From Monet to Lichtenstein which opened in April of this year. Callan begins her duties immediately and, during the next several weeks, will work closely with Bob Santelli and the existing leadership team to provide a smooth transition.

"With her proven track record of leading several major arts institutions and managing complex museum operations, Josi brings a wealth of experience to this position," said Jody Patton, EMP co-founder and board president. "She has demonstrated positive results in the past and will play an integral role at EMP/SFM as we move to the next level of operations and continue our search for a permanent CEO."

"I am very excited to join the EMP/SFM team," said Josi Callan. "The institution is an enormous asset to the community and I look forward to working with the board and staff to help build new partnerships and develop new relationships for the Museum."

Most recently, Josi Callan served as the director and CEO at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington. Her tenure began in January of 2000. Callan was responsible for overseeing the construction of the 75,000 square foot building, including the world's largest hot shop, developing the mission and vision of the institution, and developing the team that ultimately introduced a museum that is without precedent.

Prior to her move to the Northwest, Callan served for nine years as director of the San Jose Museum of Art, where she spearheaded its transformation into one of the country's leading cultural institutions.

Callan has participated in a number of professional organizations, including the Association of Art Museum Directors, the American Association of Museums, ArtTable, and the board of the American Leadership Forum. In 1994, Knight Foundation recognized her as an innovative leader in the arts. She was honored in 1997 with the Bay Area's Women in Leadership Award and in 1998 the Woman of Vision award. She also received a business leadership award in 2003 from the University of Washington (Tacoma).

Callan has a Bachelor of Art degree in art history and a Master of Art degree in behavioral sciences from The California State University.

Bob Santelli

Santelli has committed to remaining with EMP/SFM through August and will work with Callan and EMP's leadership team to assist with the transition.

"The board and everyone at EMP and SFM recognize the many contributions Bob has made while leading these premier destinations of music and science fiction," said Patton. "Bob's leadership in content development, education and public programming has led EMP and SFM to be recognized nationally and internationally as well. Bob has been a tremendous asset to EMP/SFM and while we will miss him greatly, we wish him success with his new endeavor."

As Artistic Director for EMP/SFM, Santelli was responsible for developing more than 30 exhibits, including Bob Dylan's American Journey, and originating numerous public and education programs, including the Pop Conference, Jazz in January, and the Oral History series. During Santelli's tenure at EMP, the institution produced concerts with the United Nations (Groundworks), MTV (World AIDS Day), and Martin Scorsese (Lightning in a Bottle blues concert at Radio City Music Hall in NYC).

"EMP is a tremendous organization and I feel fortunate to have been able to play a role in its ongoing success," said Bob Santelli. "I'm proud of the work that we were able to accomplish and I know the museum will continue to grow and produce exciting and innovative programs. I'm grateful for the opportunities I had while at EMP and, of course, am excited about this next chapter in my career. I'm particularly excited about potential partnerships with EMP down the road."

Santelli will remain at EMP/SFM as Artistic Director through September 6, 2006.

About Experience Music Project

Dedicated to exploring creativity and innovation in American popular music, EMP is a new kind of museum that strives to capture and reflect the essence of rock 'n' roll, its roots in jazz, soul, gospel, country and the blues, as well as rock music's influence on hip-hop, punk and other recent genres. A total sensory experience awaits visitors inside EMP's dynamic structure. Patrons can make their own music, see and learn about rare artifacts and memorabilia from EMP's collection of more than 80,000 items, explore various musical milestones within unique interpretive exhibits, and discover the power and joy of music in all its forms. Founded by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, under the direction of co-founder Jody Patton and designed by architect Frank O. Gehry, the 140,000-square-foot multi-colored and "swoopy" museum rises up in the heart of the city at Seattle Center and provides visitors a musical experience unparalleled anywhere in the world. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EMP opened on June 23, 2000 and is online at www.emplive.org.

About the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame

The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM) is the world's first science fiction museum, presenting visitors with thought-provoking, entertaining experiences that promote awareness and appreciation of science fiction while paying homage to notable SF creators and their creations. SFM attracts participation from the highest echelon of science fiction practitioners - writers, illustrators, publishers, and filmmakers. These artists are honored in the Hall of Fame. Founded by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, SFM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on the financial support of the community and corporate partners.