“In 2009, Richmond will experience something it has never had before – a vibrant center city built around the performing arts.” – from the brand new Richmond Center Stage webpage.
I will leave the commentary on this, ummm, rather bold statement to the capable bloggers who’ve been following this project. Let this serve as my formal request to saverichmond.com: I’m eagerly awaiting your analysis of this new webpage.
Groundbreaking is set for June 1- with Wilder, Jim Ukrop, Anne Holton, Bio Ritmo, and No BS Brass Band “celebrating” the groundbreaking, then leading a procession to the “First Friday’s District.” The irony is unbelievable. Let’s celebrate this taxpayer boondoggle by visiting the unsubsidized, yet highly successful, grassroots arts community!
So much for my promise to hold off on the commentary.
From the FAQ section on the new webpage:
Q: Why is the groundbreaking connected to First Fridays? Are they related?
A: The timing of the groundbreaking fit [sic] in wonderfully with what is already happening in the city to promote and celebrate the arts. Venture Richmond and First Fridays are excited to connect the site of Richmond CenterStage™ with the existing downtown art walk. The result will be a great evening to experience the arts in Richmond.
Regarding aesthetics, here’s 2 renderings from the RCS webpage:
May 10, 2007 at 10:58 am
Well, I grew up in Richmond and consider any advancement of the arts to be energizing for civilization at large and not a boondoggle. Unless I miss your meaning. At any rate, I live 700 miles away from Richmond as I write this and can only hope the development will be a great boost for the city’s residents and visitors. I come to town three or four times and year and will look forward to more news about this venture and its progress.
May 10, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Isn’t it interesting that the biggest supporters of this plan either don’t know the dismal history of the project as it relates to millions in wasted taxpayer dollars and fraudulent fundraising projections, or are from out of town and will never have to worry about the long-range implications of the plan or getting taxed to pay for it.
Hang on for Save Richmond’s response. It’s coming…
May 11, 2007 at 2:18 am
http://saverichmond.com/?p=395