Bloomington looking for Waldron Arts Center operator
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The city of Bloomington has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find an entity to manage the John Waldron Arts Center. The city regained ownership of the facility last year from Ivy Tech Community College, which had operated it as community arts center since 2010.
The RFQ is looking for a group to manage the day-to-day operations of the facility as an arts center for no less than five years. As part of the operations of the facility, the city says the chosen entity would conduct joint marketing efforts with stakeholders, lead fundraising activities, maintain the structure and its building systems, and pursue community outreach for diversity and to build audiences.
“As we all deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, investing in our hard-hit signature arts sector is vital to Bloomington’s economy and quality of life,” Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton said in a news release. “The Waldron has played a key role in the ecosystem of our arts community and our dynamic downtown. We invite proposals that will allow the Waldron to nurture our arts organizations and amplify their success.”
The city plans to invest more than $500,000 to cover deferred maintenance of the facility, as well as upkeep and general maintenance during the five-year period. Initial capital improvements are expected to be completed by January 2022, when the facility would reopen.
The Waldron features two performance spaces and two main floor art galleries. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Responses to the RFQ must be submitted by 12 p.m. on Aug. 13. You can find more information on the RFQ by clicking here.