Chelsea Riddick-Most is an Emmy Award-winning producer and project manager who has worked for major entertainment affiliates including the National Basketball Association and ViacomCBS/Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group. A former Garfield High School graduate, Chelsea returned to Seattle from the east coast to start her new position this past summer. In her role at Seattle Center, she oversees six working groups including arts and community programming; cultural programming; emergency services; guest services; events sales, booking, and contracting; and sound, video, stage. Her staff manages and supports a portion of the 14,000 events that typically happen annually on the campus including nearly 500 public programs presented by Seattle Center including Seattle Center Festál, Seattle Center Winterfest, Movies at the Mural, Concerts at the Mural, Northwest Folklife Festival, Community Created Events, and Student Showcases.
You are originally from Seattle. What made you decide to come back to the West Coast?
For as long as I was in NY, it never felt like home. Growing up in the CD (Central District) was where I learned community, mentorship, and experienced firsthand Doctors, Lawyers, journalists, and entrepreneurs that looked like me. It was a safe space, so yearning to get back to that space for myself and my family was paramount.
What is the best part of your new job?
The best part of my job is bringing entertainment to the Seattle Center in a way that connects people from various backgrounds. An opportunity to be a servant to the community and giving shine to communities that have been under-represented.
What are you most looking forward to in 2022 at Seattle Center?
It’s the 60th Anniversary of the Seattle Center and I’m looking forward to bringing it in by collaborating with local artists, entrepreneurs, and our tech community to deliver on unique events and programs.
What are some of your favorite arts/performance memories in Seattle?
I have fond memories of going to musical events at Langston, the Black Festival at Judkin’s, Seafair boat races, and hanging downtown at the Seattle Center after church on Easter Sunday.
How has it been adjusting to the new position with continuing COVID complications for events/performances?
It’s a drag and a bit stressful - nothing is predictable and every negotiation is made with the prayer that things will get better. I have an amazing team that has developed safety plans to support live events in a way that is aligned with all the CDC protocols. The rest is reliant on patrons being responsible and respectful of each other.
A very warm "Thank You" to Chelsea for sharing a bit about herself for Arté Noir readers!
