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Mayor Menino Announces Completion of Strand Theatre Task Force Report
7/14/2004
-
Released by
Mayor's Office
For more information contact
DeWayne Lehman
Group Urges Broad Range of Partners and Programming
Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced today the completion of a report developed by the Task Force on the Future of the Strand Theatre, a special task force created to develop a vision and recommendations for selection of new management for the historic theater in Upham’s Corner, Dorchester. The task force’s report calls for the city to take a strong leadership role in shaping the future direction of the theater toward making it a venue for a diversity of performing arts, cultural programming, and community events. A mission statement drafted by the task force calls on the future manager of the Strand “to engage the multicultural residents of Boston, with a special commitment to youth and the Upham’s Corner community; and to act as a catalyst in strengthening the economic fabric of the neighborhood.”
“The Strand Theatre is a unique facility, and keeping it a vital part of the neighborhood and the arts community is my priority,” said Mayor Menino. “We must work together to develop a bright future for the Strand. I want to thank the members of this task force for committing to help the city preserve and improve this neighborhood jewel.”
The task force met over a four- month period to assist the city in outlining the future direction of the Strand and craft recommendations for a request for proposals (RFP) that the city will issue this month for new theater management. In its report, the task force urged the city to maintain its strong commitment to the theater and have input in its future management, but to be amenable to a variety of management models, encouraging possible partnerships among nonprofit and for-profit groups, including colleges and universities, cultural institutions, and neighborhood arts organizations.
“What we found is that the Strand is a unique facility with enormous potential both as a community arts and events facility and as a citywide performing arts venue reflecting the cultural diversity of Boston,” said Kenneth Novack, chairman of the task force and former AOL and Time Warner vice chairman. “We really want people to be creative when thinking about possible management structures for the Strand, so we are urging the city to solicit the broadest range of interest and encouraging organizations to work together to come up with unique proposals.”
The Department of Neighborhood Development will issue an RFP later this month for a new management entity to lease the Strand. The lease with the former managers of the Strand, the Harriet McCormick Center for the Arts, expired June 30, after 25 years. The city has hired an interim manager, Michelle Baxter, to run the theater until the new management team is in place, which is expected by the end of the year.
Among the task force’s other recommendations are that the city should provide strong funding and advocacy support for the restoration of the Strand, including reaching out to partners to help fund additional capital improvements at the theater. The task force also urged community involvement in the selection process for the next management team and expressed its hope that the city could encourage the downtown arts community to bring some of their shows to the Strand, giving these residents a chance to see performances they may otherwise miss.
In addition to Kenneth Novack, members of the task force include: Ed Dugger (President, UNC Partners), Denise Gonsalves (Executive Director, Cape Verdean Community Task Force, and Uphams Corner resident), Geri Guardino (Executive Director, First Night Celebration), Jose Mateo (Director, Ballet Theatre of Boston), Magnolia Monroe-Gordon (Boston Public School teacher and Uphams Corner resident), Klare Shaw (Senior Associate, Barr Foundation), and Tyra Sidberry (Director, The Diversity Initiative).
To read the complete task force report, log on to
www.cityofboston.gov/arts/strand.asp
.
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©2009 The City of Boston
©2009 The City of Boston
©2009 The City of Boston
