Van Wezel operations investigated

The City of Sarasota and the Van Wezel Foundation have entered into a series of exploratory discussions regarding the future operations of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Among the alternatives being considered by city staff:
• Continue to operate the Van Wezel as a city department. Over the last two years, under the leadership of Mary Bensel, revenues have exceeded expenditures. The current budget continues this success with no budgeted subsidy from the general fund

• Explore a private management contract for operation similar to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers and the Mahaffey Theatre in St. Petersburg. Under this alternative, a private company manages the operation with a management fee paid by the city.

• Create a new, non-profit organization to manage both the day-to-day operations and the long term fundraising.

• Consolidate the operation of the Van Wezel Hall with the Van Wezel Foundation under a long term lease arrangement whereby the non- profit entity would carry the authority and responsibility for governance, operations, all expenses and fundraising.

The initial discussions with the Van Wezel Foundation, which began earlier this year, have centered on the fourth alternative, which has the potential of combining the current operating staff with the foundation’s ability to secure major new funding in the future.

The discussions, according to city officials, will have no impact on the Performing Arts Hall’s ability to continue to book quality programs in the future.

The estimated time frame for any implementation will be approximately January 1, 2013. Any agreement reached would need to be approved by the City Commission and the Foundation Board of Directors.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].