Sunday, July 26, 1998
Who determines the vision of a non-profit performing arts center? "Absolutely, the board," says Elissa Getto, the second president and executive director of the Cincinnati Arts Association.
The Cincinnati Arts Association's executive committee, led by board president Dudley Taft, are: Toni LaBoiteaux, Otto Budig, Penny Friedman, Thomas Heekin, Michael Keating, Elizabeth Lanier, Edward Marks and Don Siekmann.
The CAA's vision for the Aronoff Center, as described in promotional materials before its opening in October 1995: to be the premier entertainment center for area residents; offer events appealing to diverse audiences; be a catalyst for downtown revitalization; provide a competitive advantage for downtown business development; anchor an entertainment district; expand tourism and convention business; and help create jobs, tax base and private investments. CAA is still trying to raise $8 million for its capital - endowment campaign, which stalled after the Aronoff opening.
The success of the fund-raising campaign will affect CAA's ability to address several long-term plans.
During the 1998-99 season, the CAA will address one of its goals by debuting an emerging artists series, presenting School for Creative and Performing Arts graduate and piano prodigy William Menefield in concert in the Jarson-Kaplan Theater.
Emerging artists are very much on Ms. Getto's mind.
"We're always getting interesting phone calls. We even make a few," she says. At the moment, "there's nothing specific, we're just getting reactions."
On the drawing board for 1999 is commissioning site-specific, long-term installations for the Weston Gallery. Under consideration for 2000 is the addition of some kind of festival to CAA's presenting schedule.
