Do you ever feel frustrated and angry because the people in charge don't really know what they are doing, yet you are compelled to go along with it anyway? That's how the artists of the Torpedo Factory feel.

There is a need to reevaluate the artists in the Torpedo Factory, to prune away the studios that can't or won't stay open and fulfill their obligations. There is a need for greater diversity in the building and an initiative to fill studios with younger artists who don't fit the general demographic of the building.

But the staff of the Office of the Arts are not the people to do this. 

They insist on artists being evaluated "as a studio." If an artist applies solo to the new jury process and is accepted, under the new arrangement, they will have no way of taking on a partner for the duration of their three year lease. Suppose they become unable to meet their financial obligations during that time? Sure would help to have a partner to share the rent!

If they want to have a partner, they have to select that person NOW and be evaluated together, while being warned that they need to select that person CAREFULLY because whoever they pick might bring down their score!

The spin doctors working for the city have the gall to promote this as a perk, as if they are doing a favor for the artists.

This rejury process is being overseen by people who have no idea what they are doing. They have shown they are willing to lie to the artists (see the "Torpedo Factory for All" debacle). The future of the Torpedo Factory is at stake!

TELL THEM WHAT YOU THINK:

diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov

brett.johnson@alexandriava.gov

emily.baker@alexandriava.gov