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Durango Arts Center is not a city tenant

The Durango Arts Center wishes to submit a correction to the story headlined “When the city is your landlord” (Herald, May 17). In the story, a photograph of DAC’s 802 E. Second Avenue building was featured with a caption that said it is “one of the properties that the city leases to nonprofits for nominal fees because the deals can contribute to the city’s culture and economy.”

This caption is factually inaccurate. The city played a major role in the capital campaign that enabled DAC to assume the 802 E. Second Avenue facility in 1997, however, it is DAC that actually maintains ownership of the building and all associated costs, including a mortgage, interest on that mortgage, property insurance, utilities and all maintenance and repair expenses associated with a 1920s historic building. Contrary to that caption, DAC does not lease the building from the city, as compared to an arrangement held with the Powerhouse Science Center on a $1 per year rent.

While DAC is truly grateful to own its facility in presentation of the arts to our community, it is important to clarify that the organization pays for every penny associated with operating it, made entirely possible by the support of our community members. Further, since the economic recession, DAC no longer receives funding from the city of Durango or La Plata County.

No staff or board member of DAC was contacted for this story to confirm or deny important facts. In the future, please reach out directly through the executive director at 259-2606, ext. 14 or cristie@durangoarts.org; or email the board at president@durangoarts.org for any questions pertaining to our programs or operations.

Cristie Scott, executive director Mel McLean, CPA, board treasurer

Durango



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