Nicky Boyette – It took a few tries, but Eureka Springs Downtown Network Director Jacqueline Wolven got approval at the April 13 City Advertising and Promotion Commission meeting to include the Auditorium in ESDN’s downtown tours.
Wolven agreed ESDN would pay $150 per month for the privilege even if there were days in which the facility would be unavailable because of sound checks or performances. She also committed to following a particular route through the facility, which commissioners would walk through before final approval.
CAPC Executive Director Mike Maloney made concerns clear about expensive and sensitive equipment in the auditorium, as well as props that could be on stage, to which Wolven replied, “Just let us know when we can’t go on stage.”
Chair Ken Ketelsen remarked he was not sure the basement was in shape to be viewed by the public, but Wolven answered that the important point was the stories the basement can tell, and that it not being picture perfect was perfectly okay.
Commissioner Charles Ragsdell made the motion to approve tours with the stipulations that ESDN did not have exclusive rights to tours, ongoing events or sound checks might rule out a tour on a particular day, and CAPC staff could amend the path if need be.
Wolven agreed and vote to approve the motion was unanimous.
Indie Film Festival
Sandy Martin, speaking on behalf of the Eureka Springs Indie Film Festival, asked commissioners for $3000, saying Arkansas Parks and Tourism offers a mini-grant in which Eureka Springs must put up $3000, but Parks and Tourism would give $2000 back. The funds would be used for advertising the event.
She said the festival is scheduled for August 5-6, with one day devoted to films about human rights, the other to films by students.
Commissioners unanimously approved the request.