Dear Friends and Supporters:
Over the past few months, as we all learned about the surprising decision taken by three commissioners to terminate our 32-year dedication to the campus of Old School Square, many of you have reached out to us to ask how you could help show your support. We have reached a point in time where YOU can make the difference in the future of Old School Square Center for the Arts and the direction the City of Delray Beach is taking.
We are not asking for money today. Instead, we are asking that you reach out to our commissioners and ask them to come to the table to engage in negotiations to resolve the issues they have with OSS. Click on the link(s) below and tell the commissioners what we all want: to reach a settlement that is of mutual benefit to Delray Beach, its residents, and its visitors.
Since the beginning, we have repeatedly requested to meet with city commissioners to iron out any issues, but those requests have gone unanswered every time. We were forced to seek legal recourse due to the City’s actions, to defend our interests and the reputations of our board, hardworking staff, and dedicated volunteers- all who have given tirelessly for over 30 years to make OSS what it is today. We have also spoken out publicly to defend the rights of the Delray community, who deserve the best and most qualified team to continue to operate OSS.
City leaders tried to find organizations that would bid to replace our non-profit and replicate everything we do. Not surprisingly, not one company responded to the City’s Request for Proposal. Why?
Perhaps they saw what it takes to re-create all that we love about OSS. Perhaps they didn’t know how to put forth so many art/music/literary classes, museum exhibits, theater shows, facility rentals, Delray neighborhood engagements and musical concerts 365 days per year at affordable rates, frequently at no cost to participants, like we’ve done for 32 years. Perhaps they didn’t know how to raise 80% of their revenue from PRIVATE DONATIONS and ticket sales, like we’ve done for decades. It takes a lot of dedication, talent, and expertise to produce literally hundreds of successful events and programs year after year. Now, having no other alternative, some city commissioners want the Parks and Recreation Department to run the operations and events using 100% taxpayer money, costing millions of dollars per year. On top of that, the City must pay for lawsuits they have provoked. And as we all know, lawsuits take time to resolve and cost a fortune.
In an effort to break this deadlock, last week we sent the City a letter offering a framework for a workable resolution. We feel our terms address many of the city’s concerns as we understand them, while defending our hard-earned right to continue to serve everyone in our community on the OSS campus. It is a win/win for all sides.
As residents of Delray, we don’t want to see the city spending our hard-earned tax money on lawsuits on issues the majority of Delray citizens don’t even support, when that could be done to improve and enhance Delray. As Board members of OSS Center for the Arts, we want to continue our focus on sharing our love for the arts with our community through affordable, fun, and unique cultural opportunities for the whole family.
All that is needed is good will on all sides, and we have done our part.
Will you please click on the link(s) below and tell our commissioners you want them to mediate this issue with Old School Square Center for the Arts? You may also send this pre-drafted letter that outlines the desire for a resolution. Your voice will make the difference! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!