FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Heather B. Habelka, Office of the Mayor, 203.385.4001

Mayor Miron and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Meet on the Future of the Shakespeare Theatre

Stratford, Connecticut (July 31, 2007) - Mayor James R. Miron returned from a meeting in Washington, D.C. with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) calling it a success. Accompanied by the Chair of Economic Development Commission, Danielle Hawthorne, and Chair of the Arts Commission, J. Sibley Law, the three met with the NEA Deputy Chair of Awards and Grants, Tony Chaveaux.

All three town officials agreed that this meeting was a starting point in building a long-term relationship with the NEA.

“This initial meeting with Mr. Chaveaux and his team resulted in the sharing of solid recommendations and a comprehensive discussion about potential partnerships,” said Mayor Miron. “A myriad of options were discussed including festival development, the hosting of classical productions, the development of new works, and the offering of education programs. Based on our discussion, it is clear that these types of partnerships require broad community participation and support and I look forward to continuing this discussion with the NEA, the Town Council and our commissions.

Hawthorne agreed stating, “Not only did we confirm our belief that the revitalization of the Theatre can only work if we tie it to positive economic development, but we have been given access to a wealth of data to show how that can work.”

Law added, “I am coming back with some clear marching orders as they relate to the next steps. Along with setting up meetings with possible community and regional partners, we are planning a working session with theatre professionals shortly after the Summer Theatre Festival.”

The Mayor reiterated his thoughts about the theatre as one of the Town’s most valued assets. “One of my jobs, as Mayor, is to ensure that we protect our Town assets. I have a simple three-point plan that does that for this Theatre. First, we restore the building. Second, we bring it to life with productions immediately. Third, we complete a final future use plan for long term development.”

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