Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
THE ARTSCENTER, INC. <br /> ORANGE COUNTY APPLICATION 6 <br /> EXHIBIT F (DETAILED REQUEST) 11 MARCH 1994 <br /> THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THIS COMMUNITY <br /> A community in close proximity to a major corporate location like Research Triangle Park <br /> has certain criteria to fulfill if it wishes to attract business and tourism and promote <br /> economic growth. They are: educational services, health services, high quality civic <br /> activities and major arts and cultural activities. These are the main building blocks for a <br /> community to participate in the "Global Village". <br /> Orange County is rich in all four areas. However, its arts and cultural activities must be <br /> preserved and expanded. The ArtsCenter plays a critial role in this plan. By supporting <br /> the only center in Orange County that provides such a wide range of services for the artist <br /> as well as the general public,the community increases its appeal to business, visitors, <br /> students and residents. <br /> The ArtsCenter consistently earns over 60% of its income. Compared to the national <br /> average of 40%, it shows excellent financial acumen. The ArtsCenter, compared to other <br /> arts facilities in the Triangle area, stands up well. It is one of the only organizations to be <br /> able to maintain an operational budget. It is not supported by a university or a foundation <br /> and it is not part of a local government. The ArtsCenter is the only arts center in <br /> North Carolina that pays more than a nominal rent(usually$1 per year). <br /> Local Government support in helping purchase a facility will allow The.ArtsCenter to <br /> expand programming. In 1989, 35,000 people came through the doors of The ArtsCenter. <br /> Careful planning and development of outreach programs has increased attendance to over <br /> 40,000 in 1993. This was all done with a small budget (less than one half of the 1990 <br /> budget) and a staff of three full-time and two part-time positions. The ArtsCenter's focus <br /> is to increase these numbers, include more outreach programs and continue the high <br /> quality programs offered. To do this, the building needs to be owned, debt-free and the <br /> staff needs to be increased. <br /> Local government support will provide the impetus to revitalizing the center and making it <br /> a showplace for Orange County. <br /> 300-G East Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina <br /> (919) 929-2787 2 <br />