A resolution intended to guarantee programming at the Fayetteville Walton Arts Center facility was voted down by the City Council Tuesday night.
Only Ward 1 representatives Brenda Thiel and Adella Gray voted for the proposal that would have authorized City Attorney Kit Williams to renegotiate the Walton Arts Center’s lease in an effort to make sure the Dickson Street facility won’t suffer when the arts center builds a new 2,200-seat facility in Bentonville.
Walton Arts Center COO Terri Trotter spoke against the proposed ordinance.
“Our current lease, which is held through the City of Fayetteville and the UA is valid through 2017, and we really don’t see the need to look at that right now,” Trotter said.
Thiel, who co-sponsored the ordinance with alderwoman Gray, asked Trotter specifically why the center did not support a renegotiated lease.
“I’m not sure a building lease is a forum to talk about content,” Trotter responded. “We have committed to maintaining quality arts and entertainment in Fayettevillle. If we don’t do that, we have a huge challenge in being able to run our business.”
Ward 4 alderwoman Sarah Lewis agreed. “I think the best way to guarantee [programming] rather than with a contract or a lease agreement, is to support the arts,” she said. “The more we’re going, the better our shows will be.”
Other council members echoed Lewis’ sentiment, but Thiel moved to put the resolution to a vote anyway.
“Obviously, this is not going to pass,” Thiel said. “The city of Fayetteville has lost a major battle, and I want to make sure that, on record, I supported the citizens of Fayetteville and the businesses on this.”
The resolution failed by a vote of 6-2.
I believe alderwoman Lewis has it backwards. I don’t buy a ticket to a show to support the arts- I buy a ticket because I want to see that specific show. I won’t spend $16 for a ticket to Ferdinand the Bull so that I can support the arts when i don’t want to see it (no offense to Ferdinand fans- if I were ten I’m sure I would love it). I will pay $75 for a ticket to Les Miserables because I want to see it. Regardless of WAC assurances I think it is most likely that the shows with broad appeal and high ticket sales will be at the new facility and niche acts with low ticket sales will be in Fayetteville.
I agree with Daniel, that the shows I’ll go to will be the ones I want to see – but I think Alderwoman Lewis is kind of saying “put your money where your mouth is” to those who are griping about the WAC. I think there are a lot of people who are doomsayers predicting that the businesses on Dickson are going to suffer because of the recent developments, but do those people attend any shows? A whole lot of people in Bentonville have been driving from there to Dickson Street for 15 or so years and are helping favorite eateries and gift shops stay open. If we want Walton Arts Center to keep good programming in Fayetteville – buy tickets.
And again – Broadway shows have traditionally sold out at the Fayetteville facility. My guess/hope is that if the technical riders for a show will allow for presentation in Baum Walker it will be presented there, leaving the larger facility open for programming of shows that demand larger tech space and ticket revenues in their contracts.
Good decision! And sensible, valid points concisely stated.
Our Fayetteville Council members are to be applauded!
We owe a debt of gratitude to all who worked so diligently to resolve this issue, and a vote of faith in our WAC leaders who succeed so well for our arts community!
Ro