Garde Raises Curtain on Appeal for Cash

Kathleen Edgecomb, The Day - Regional theater requests $25,000 from New London as part of push for $250,000.

Oct 31, 2009 2:21 PM - There's no danger of the lights going out, but the Garde Arts Center is looking for more monetary support from the community to help maintain the 25-year-old regional theater.

The Garde has appealed to the city for $25,000. It is part of a larger, proactive push to raise $250,000 from sponsorship, individual, corporate and government donations.

"We want to make sure the diversity of programming is not impaired by any economic fluctuations,'' said Steve Sigel, executive director. "We are close to the bone here."

Phil Michalowski, chairman of the board of directors, appealed to the City Council last week for the funds. He said it was the first time the arts center has directly asked for funding from the city for its operations and programming.

"There are so many good things going on downtown, new restaurants, new activities,'' he said. "We want to continue to support that."

Downtown is a different place than it was when the Garde first opened, he said.

"It probably has the most amount activity ever,'' he said. "Initially the Garde was the only light on, on the street. Now there are many, many lights on."

Last year, the Garde's budget was about $2.3 million. The current year's budget is projected to be $1.7 million. Seventy-five percent of revenues are from ticket sales, educational program grants and tuitions and theater rentals. Sigel said. Twenty-five percent comes from donations from corporations, individuals and government donations. That 25 percent has decreased since 2006, from $700,000 to $421,000.

"There's no question we have broad-based community support,'' Sigel said. "Our challenge is to maintain a catalytic effect in Connecticut."

The request was submitted to the City Council Oct. 19 and referred to committee. It may be taken up at Monday's council meeting.

"We feel very strongly that the level of programming needs to be maintained in order for the Garde to meets its mission,'' said Michalowski.

Sigel said the economy has affected all aspects of the community, but there is still strong support for the theater.

"The Garde will be here,'' he said. "But we have choices. We think it's very important in these uncertain economic times to raise our banner for people to come out of their homes and enjoy the community."