Dear Member:

 
 It is with disappointment that we send this letter to our members and supporters. As you know, our collective vision of a performing arts center located in Tallahassee will not be a reality in the foreseeable future. Performing arts centers are visionary projects that require strong political leadership to make them a reality. Recently, a majority of our elected City and County Commissioners have indicated through their vote, that a performing arts facility is not one of their priorities at this time. We are deeply frustrated and particularly regret this decision on behalf of you, one of our 2,000+ members.

 

The Florida Center for Performing Arts and Education Board of Directors, and others who are committed to the project, remain convinced that a performing arts center would significantly improve the quality of life in our community. Our research and economic impact data suggest that a center would be an enhancement that could attract future residents and businesses to Tallahassee, offer new jobs, increased personal incomes, business sales and a broadened tax base to support government.

This is not a new conversation in our city. The need for a performing arts center has been recognized for nearly 40 years and was originally planned as part of the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center to be built solely from public funds. We acknowledge these are not easy projects. Long gestation periods and frustrations have plagued many of them built in other communities. But in those cases, government leadership stepped forward, resulting in centers that are now cultural and economic assets for those communities. True in communities around the country and in Tallahassee, a performing arts facility will not happen without a significant investment of public funds.

We believe a performing arts center will be transformative for Tallahassee and its absence will prevent our community from reaching its potential. In communities trying to attract and retain high-technology, medical and professional jobs, performing arts venues are considered core infrastructure. We are the most educated and culturally rich community in Florida, and believe our citizens' expectations include public facilities to enjoy and appreciate performances, cultural arts education and entertainment in a venue appropriate for a Capital City.

As a Board, we will continue to work toward this arts and educational goal for our community. The Board and the organization will remain intact and continue to meet and plan, but we will not be as visible in the public eye. We will keep you informed of any significant news or status changes in the future.

To the thousands of members, donors and supporters, the board wishes to express our most sincere appreciation. We still believe in this project and know that you do, too. We are also grateful to the Leon County School Board and Superintendent and the Wakulla County School Board for their support. These community leaders understand how valuable a center could be for students and the important roles it would play in education. We appreciate the citizens who have donated, volunteered, and signed on as supporters. We hope our collective efforts will, one day, result in a performing arts center for our community.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors

The Florida Center for Performing Arts and Education