Thursday, December 1, 2011

Citizens Share County Board's Skepticism About Artisphere's Finances

Hello Yupette,

I generally support the performing arts and I'm happy to see the County Manager's Office reorganized the Artisphere's management and implemented a new business plan. But I can't understand why the performing arts community can't make the Artisphere totally non-profit and self-sustaining. These are the same upscale people who raised $60,000 in one evening for dogs and cats.

It's my understanding that at least two more large live theater buildings will be constructed in North Arlington, one in the area near Courthouse Plaza and the other on the site where the Arlington Funeral home is presently located.

If the County Board is skeptical about the Artisphere's long-term viability why not ask the performing arts community to give the Artisphere the financial assistance it needs to succeed? That's only fair to the taxpayers who have endured several years of poor Artisphere planning and management.

Julie

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Simple answer as to why the County's spent so much on constructing, operating, and re-organizing the Artisphere is - the Artisphere is another special interest the County Board can't say no to.

Mittens said...

How about 'Catsino Night at the Artisphere' every month? That would raise a lot of money.

Anonymous said...

If Jay "Mr. Live Theater" Fisette is skeptical why continue to put more lipstick on a pig?

Anonymous said...

Same old, same old buying votes with tax dollars.

When will the streets around the Artisphere be repaved?

Anonymous said...

The Democratic Party long ago abandoned fiscal responsibility, which is why if you want fiscally responsible government in Arlington you have to vote Green or Republican.

Anonymous said...

If the performing arts in Arlington are as great as their supporters say, the performing arts in Arlington don't need a dime of taxpayer assistance.

Anonymous said...

If the performing arts in Arlington are so great, there would be huge galas with major league celebrities raising millions every year.

Anonymous said...

Typical Democratic County Board behavior. Money is poured into an entertainment venue while nearby streets are crumbling.

Anonymous said...

Have the performing arts groups figured out what will happen when Jay Fisette moves on? Or do they figure he will move on from the County Board to become the County's Performing Arts Czar?

Rosslyn Guy said...

I doubt the Artisphere will be sustainable if there is another economic slowdown sometime during the next several years.

Anonymous said...

Performing Arts in Arlington are just another bunch of gimme groups.

Anonymous said...

Artisphere is part of the County's full-employment program for people who work in the performing arts.

Anonymous said...

The County has so padded its payroll with people who have little or nothing to do with providing essential government services its scary.