More Englert Stuff

Greenman does more digging on the Englert issue. He comes up with a discussion on the topic in the transcripts from the minutes of the meeting of the Johnson County Board of Supervisers in June of 2002. It's where the project is making a pitch for Vision Iowa funds. One bit I find interesting:

Schamberger: I think you might note too the expansion, the community demand, includes this really creative visionary concept of the Iowa City cultural incubator. It’s really what the 3rd floor of the Englert is going to be utilized for. That is going to be really Johnson County non-profit arts and cultural organizations to have office space. People like the Cultural Alliance, like Arts Iowa City…



Zimmer: Jazz Fest, Arts Festival, Iowa City Community Theater. It’s also going to be an incubator for smaller organizations that don’t need office space, but need support.



Schamberger: To grow from. That’s really what the 3rd floor, so it will be impacting several…



Zimmer: Absolutely.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the space they're now trying to rent out for corporate offices?



UPDATE:

Dweeze's letter gets published in the Press-Citizen.



Matt points out their mission statement might need revising:

The mission of the Englert Civic Theatre, Inc. is to own, maintain and operate the Englert Theatre as a community arts center and performance space, enhancing the vitality of Iowa City's historic downtown by preserving its last historic theater.



The Englert Civic Theatre, Inc. will provide diverse programming, educational opportunities, and exposure to the performing and visual arts. Our focus will be to highlight the talents of local performers, artists, and ensembles.