Volunteer Citizens' Advisory Group Releases Recommendation Report to Overture Center for the Arts

Volunteer Citizens' Advisory Group Releases Recommendation Report to Overture Center for the Arts

Recommendations for operational improvements shared

MADISON, Wis., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A citizens' group of Madison-area business and community leaders presented a series of recommendations for ensuring a financially secure and sustainable future for Madison's Overture Center for the Arts -- the state's largest arts organization -- to the public Monday.

The group reported their findings at a press conference which included Mark Bugher, University Research Park director; Tom Carto, president and CEO of Overture Center; and Linda Baldwin, chair of the Madison Cultural Arts District Board (MCAD). The citizens' group was formed to apply their collective experience to Overture's complex issues and financial challenges.

The report recommends:
-- Demonstrating the economic and cultural benefits Overture brings to
the greater Madison area.
-- Maintaining an accurate and comprehensive budget, particularly
concerning recent refinancing changes.
-- Simplifying Overture's complex governance structure
-- An aggressive budget management strategy and reviewing the level of
staffing in accordance with the ebb and flow of Overture's performing
arts season.
-- Revisiting the financial relationship between Overture Center and the
City of Madison.
-- Using this report and supporting data to engage the community in an
aggressive capital campaign.
-- The city and county appointing a high-level group to consider creating
an entertainment district and engaging the public in dialog regarding
this issue.
-- Exploring Overture's eligibility to issue tax-exempt bonds and
refinance the existing taxable debt, and developing strategies to
retire that debt.

Carto said he was pleased to see the report supports initiatives being planned or underway. He and Baldwin highlighted report findings that align with the ongoing work of Overture's board and staff:

-- Plans to launch an independent economic and community impact study.
-- Existing growth in fundraising and aggressive goals for the future.
-- Strategic planning sessions.
-- Initiating new budget management strategies and systems.
-- Deploying a regional or statewide marketing strategy.

Carto said, "We're looking forward to Overture fulfilling its true destiny."

The report may be downloaded here: www.overturecenter.com.

Overture Center fills a city block in downtown Madison, Wis., with world-class venues for the performing and visual arts. Overture presents hundreds of performances, art exhibitions and educational and community events each year. Visit overturecenter.com for more information.

Source: Overture Center for the Arts

CONTACT: Jonathan Zarov, Vice President of Marketing of Overture Center
for the Arts, +1-608-258-4151, cell: +1-608-335-2783,
jzarov@overturecenter.com

Web Site: http://www.overturecenter.com/

-------
Profile: intent