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Boone Releases Statement Regarding Arts Council’s Rejection of Proposed Offer of Lease and Contract

May8, 2012. Release from Town of Boone

Watauga Co. Arts Council logoTown’s Proposed Extension of Lease and Contract to Watauga County Arts Council

The Town of Boone recently presented to the Watauga County Arts Council an offer to extend their current lease and contract through Sept. 30, 2012.  The Town’s intent by presenting this extension—from a programming and financial perspective—was to offer the arts council ease in transitioning as the Town begins utilizing its newly created Cultural Resources Board.  Unfortunately, the arts council has rejected the Town’s offer.  In order to promote harmony and an amicable transition, and with the hope that the arts council will reconsider its decision, the Town has re-extended its offer until May 15.

The Town hopes that, by offering this transitional period to the arts council, it will also benefit the community by allowing the cultural programs already scheduled through the summer to be completed.  However, if the arts council declines the Town’s offer, the Town will make efforts to continue all activities previously scheduled at the Jones House.

In creating the Cultural Resources Board, the Town’s goal is not only to continue sponsoring the current activities held annually, but to create more cultural programs and activities for the community.  The Town looks forward to continuing to showcase well-known programs, including Concerts on the Lawn, Watauga JAMS, Thursday night jam sessions, and art galleries, as well as creating exciting, new cultural activities for the enjoyment of the people living in and visiting the High Country. 

End of Release

Cherry Johnson, Executive Director of the Watauga Arts Council, would not comment on the Town of Boone’s release as of today, but she did say that the Watauga Arts Council board is moving up its next meeting to address this issue sooner, rather than later.

View the Compromise Offer to Town of Boone as approved by majority vote of the Watauga County Arts Council Board of Directors on Thursday, May 3rd.

View the Contract Offer from Town of Boone to Watauga County Arts Council.

View recent High Country Press articles on this issue: 

Board Meeting Tonight Will Decide the Fate of the Watauga Arts Council; Executive Director Might Resign

Boone Town Council Offers Arts Council 3-Month Jones House Extension; Council Member Calls it “Draconian”

From 20-Minute Babble over Copier in Jones House to Wat. Arts Council Finding New Home After 20+ Years