On behalf of the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center, I would like to share the following:

Today’s Orlando Sentinel reported on a possible delay of the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center project. While we have been monitoring the economic landscape of this market for quite some time, we are continuing to work in partnership with our elected officials to ensure this project moves forward.

We all are aware of the implications of today’s economic times. Virtually every industry, company and organization in the country has been affected. The City of Orlando and Orange County are no exceptions. Mayor Dyer is continuing to have city staff review the funding structure for the venues projects to ensure the city is making the most prudent financial decisions possible. We appreciate the leadership of Mayor Dyer and Mayor Crotty during these challenging economic times. We have faith in their commitment to the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center and are confident they will resolve any public sector funding issues.

The performing arts center is a viable project with a funding structure that is comprised of a mix of public and private sources. We have raised an unprecedented $86 million in philanthropy and are confident that future fundraising will follow this pattern of success. Our board of directors and donors are solidly behind the project. The enthusiasm for this project that was evident when the venues were passed is still very much alive and well. Our project is moving forward and our vision remains steadfast.

We may need to make adjustments to our program and plans. As the city reviews its position, we also are taking steps to identify areas where greater efficiency and savings will be achieved while still maintaining the highest level of project integrity. For that reason, we may choose to redirect our efforts in support of the city’s initiative to solve the current financial situation.

As supporters of the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center, your efforts have been invaluable to this point. We look forward to your continued support. There will be many questions in the upcoming months. We are at a critical juncture and your help is so important to ensure that the community understands our project is moving forward and will be built. Our collective vision for the performing arts center will provide much-needed momentum during this period.

We anticipate clear direction from the City of Orlando within the next few weeks. With that direction, we will be able to align our plans with those of our public sector partners and move forward quickly. Until then, your continued support is appreciated very much.

I assure you that the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center is as real today as ever. This is about more than a home for our resident arts groups – this is about a defining space for our city. This is about Orlando claiming its place among the most vibrant cities in the world. We will deliver a performing arts center to the residents of Central Florida of which we can all be proud.

Best,
Katherine Ramsberger
President