FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2008
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
OHIO CULTURAL FACILITIES COMMISSION SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR AMPHITHEATER MANAGEMENT
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the management of the Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center Amphitheatre, located in Ashland, Ohio.
The Commission seeks a qualified candidate to provide cultural programming and overall management of the facility, an outdoor 1,700-seat amphitheater. The RFP is open to any interested entity that is classified as a governmental agency or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Ohio, and that has the capability to enter into a contractual agreement with The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission to manage the facility.
“With the cancellation of the Johnny Appleseed outdoor drama in 2005 by Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center, Inc., this beautiful facility has been dark on too many nights,” remarked Kathleen Fox, executive director of the Commission. “We believe there are a number of arts and cultural organizations in the greater Ashland and Mansfield region that might be able to enhance their cultural offerings to the public through this facility, so that the amphitheater will realize its full potential. Partnership with the Johnny Appleseed organization is an option that could build upon the resources of both partner organizations and provide still more cultural programming to the public.”
For more information or to read the Request for Proposals, visit the Commission’s web site at www.culture.ohio.gov. Proposals are due at the Commission’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 28, 2008. Arts and cultural organizations that have specific questions related to the facility or the RFP should contact Commission Project Manager Joe Cohen at jcohen@culture.ohio.gov or (614) 728-8931.
About the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed nearly $400 million of capital funds appropriated by the legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at non-profit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission partners with non-profit groups and local governments on nearly 250 projects in 65 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov
