HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/15/2022 Item 6a, Handler
Delgado, Adriana
From:Cricket Handler <cfhandler1@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Budget-SLO REP grant
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Honorable Mayor Stewart and Councilmembers Christianson, Marx, Pease and Shoresman:
We are long-time supporters of SLO Rep, and are writing to ask for your approval of their request for a challenge grant
to be drawn from the city’s funding for the arts received from the state. We understand that there is a new design for
the building that will help reduce the cost of the final project, and can’t wait to walk into the new lobby for the opening
show! We know that SLO Rep has already raised $5.5 million through donations and pledges, and the challenge grant
funds will give a real boost to fundraising efforts.
We have both been deeply engaged in the local arts world over the past 40 years, and recognize the value that a vibrant
arts scene brings to a community. Of course there is a significant economic impact from patrons and artists alike, but
more important to us are the educational and cultural impacts of a thriving arts scene. We’ve often walked out of a play
at SLO Rep with a different perspective about a current topic, and headed downtown with friends for an after-show bite
to eat and lots of lively conversation. Our grandchildren have participated in the ACT summer program, and we’re
delighted to know the new theatre will allow SLO Rep to significantly expand that program.
We have watched the quality of presentations at SLO Rep grow dramatically over the years, and know that the new
space will only enhance their ability to perform at an outstanding professional level. Our community already has a
reputation as an attractive place to live and work, and building the new theatre to anchor the downtown cultural district
will help cement that reputation.
Thank you for considering our letter and we hope you will move forward with the challenge grant request.
Sincerely,
Cricket Handler and Jerry Boots
Cricket Handler, Artistic Director
(She/Her)
Canzona Women's Ensemble
canzonawomen.org
1
805.704.4984
“Celebrating Women’s Voices"
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