Minneapolis, Minn, Dec. 1, 2011 - The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts today announced the appointment of Lynn A. Von Eschen as Executive Director of The Cowles Center. Von Eschen, who spent nearly two decades at St. Pauls Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, takes over operations of The Cowles Center in January 2012.

I could not be more thrilled about bringing Lynn onboard at The Cowles Center,said Kelley Lindquist, President of Artspace Projects, Inc., the developer of The Cowles Center. His operational and programming experience at the Ordway, along with his connection to the local arts community, make him the perfect choice to lead The Cowles as we partner with the Twin Cities dance community to offer incredible experiences to dance lovers and to engage new audiences.

Von Eschen comes to The Cowles Center with a wealth of experience in Twin Cities performing arts venues, having served most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the Ordway Center. Prior to his appointment to that position in 2005, he served in a variety of leadership positions at the Ordway since first joining the staff in 1993. As Vice President and General Manager, Von Eschen was responsible for all operations of the Ordway, including construction, capital improvements and maintenance, artistic production and technical support, hospitality and audience services. He was the primary staff liaison to the Ordways Arts Partners (the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Schubert Club and the Minnesota Opera) and was responsible for the negotiation and administration of all collective bargaining agreements. He is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association and the International Association of Venue Managers, Inc. Prior to joining the Ordway Von Eschen led the marketing and development departments of the Childrens Theatre Company in Minneapolis.

"Having closely followed and admired the inception, development and inauguration of The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts throughout the past several years, I am honored to join the Cowles team as Executive Director," said Von Eschen. "The chance to work within one of the Twin Cities most historical venues for the performing arts is incredibly exciting. However, even more electrifying is the opportunity to collaborate with the local dance community in providing them a magnificent home to showcase their artistic talents."

The Cowles Center opened in September under the leadership of Frank L. Sonntag, who resigned as executive director in November. The successful opening weekend was followed by the start of the inaugural season, during which The Cowles Center has presented productions by some of the Twin Cities leading dance companies, Cantus Vocal Ensemble and the Minnesota SAGE Awards for Dance. The 2011-2012 season continues through June 2012."

About The Cowles Center

The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts is the Twin Cities' newest arts center and the flagship for dance in Minnesota. Centrally located in downtown Minneapolis, The Cowles Center includes the newly refurbished 500-seat Goodale Theater; the Hennepin Center for the Arts, home to 20 leading dance and performing arts organizations; the state-of-the-art Target Education Studio, housing The Cowles Centers distance learning program; and the new U.S. Bank Atrium. The Cowles Center fills the need for a place that is a catalyst for the creation, presentation, education, enjoyment and celebration of dance and the performing arts in the Twin Cities. www.thecowlescenter.org.

Contact: Melodie Bahan

612.206.3612

mbahan@thecowlescenter.org

Andrea Tonsfeldt

612.206.3631 atonsfeldt@thecowlescenter.org