Two weeks ago, artists from our community gathered to give their invaluable time to guide us and help us do a better job at Vashon Center for the Arts. The messages of concern came through loud and clear. Now, as we look toward creating a better future together with our artists, I want to share just a few of the changes we will make.

Better Communications: As a result of the meeting, more than 20 artists have volunteered to form an Arts Advisory Council to help re-center VCA’s visual arts program. A kick-off meeting will occur in the next two weeks; we’re still finalizing the date and look forward to reporting on the council’s direction. In addition to the Arts Advisory Council, we will form a Blue Heron Working Group to help us think through how to best use this wonderful building over the next five to 10 years. Calls will go out for those interested in committee in the next two weeks.

Beyond communication and collaboration, the topics of an endowment and the financial state of VCA were discussed during the town hall. The Katherine White theater was the subject of many comments at the town hall. As president of the board during the early phases of the building process, I would like to speak to those concerns.

Construction: The building began as the vision of one woman, Katherine (Kay) White. Kay’s generosity funded a significant portion of the construction costs. Despite many setbacks, the building was completed in 2016 thanks to Kay, state and county funds, major donors and the generosity of many of our Vashon neighbors. We did borrow money to complete construction. That was anticipated, however, and we are on a path to own the building free and clear by 2019.

Endowment: Duringour early planning around the Katherine White theater, the board discussed developing an endowment for the ongoing maintenance and sustainability of the building. The endowment was never something Kay requested, but was something that the board and staff believed was important.

However, due to the delay in breaking ground and rising construction costs, the monies we hoped to jumpstart an endowment had to be earmarked for construction. Having said that, Kay’s estate, along with the gifts of other major donors, has created a substantial financial cushion to support VCA as it makes the challenging transition from operating primarily in a single building (Blue Heron) to a prominent two-building campus with a state-of-the-art performing arts theater and gallery.

Operating Budget: Some at the town hall expressed concerns about our budget. Our 2018 operating budget is currently projected at about $1.9 million, of which about 42 percent will come from ticket sales and tuition. Last year, for example, we supported approximately 65 island artists through our arts education and Artists in Schools programs, serving more than 500 participants. We try to say “yes” to every student and subsidize those who cannot afford tuition through a robust scholarship program. Last year alone, through the generosity of island donors, VCA distributed more than $94,000 in arts scholarships.

Over the past 50 years, Vashon Allied Arts now Vashon Center for the Arts has grown from simple roots into a multi-disciplinary arts organization that supports visual artists, performing artists and musicians, dance, arts education, and arts in our schools. Few arts organizations offer such an ambitious programming mix. But then, Vashon is known for its love and support of the arts.

We have the financial resources on hand to cover our anticipated operating deficits for three more years while we formulate a sustainable business model for future island generations.

The VCA board of trustees was truly impressed by the turnout at the town hall. We were excited to see the number of individuals signing up for various advisory groups, offering assistance and preparing to travel with us as we face the opportunities and challenges Kay White’s gift offers to Vashon.

Thank you for raising your voices in this time of transition. We know we need to move quickly but also with care. Most importantly, know that we are committed to productive engagement with all of our island’s communities, trustworthy communication and a level of professionalism in everything we do.

— Tim Roden is a management consultant and past board president of Vashon Center for the Arts.