For over a year, the Foundation’s website (az100years.org) has presented the $15 million Arizona Experience Museum as their “number one signature project” and the “centerpiece” of the centennial celebration. As recently as September 8, the Cronkite News Service reported on an interview with the director of the Foundation. The Arizona Experience Museum was described as the major project absorbing over 70% of the Foundation’s centennial budget.
Just four days later, another Cronkite News Service story reported on an interview with the same director and stated (italics added);
Besides events planned on and around the centennial, the centerpiece of the foundation’s effort is Arizona Best Fest, which highlights the state’s history and culture. The festivals are expected to attract hundreds of thousands.
The first article said the Best Fest would be cut first if fundraising did not cover the complete budget, implying the museum had priority over Best Fest. The second article says that Best Fest is the centerpiece of the centennial celebration and does not even make any mention of the museum.
Does the Foundation have any idea what its priorities are?
What are donors supporting?
Was the top rated mineral museum scrapped for no reason?
References:
Joseph Schmidt
Despite tough times, centennial organizers urge state to celebrate
Cronkite News Service, Sep. 12, 2011
Elvina Nawaguna-Clemente
Tight budgets tough for centennial planning
Cronkite News Service, September 8, 2011
I think somebody is getting ready to throw someone under the bus.
ReplyDeleteSomeone's math does not add up. The centennial foundation has a 30 million dollar budget for all their activities which includes the "Experience Museum". How can $15 million for the new museum be 70% of $30 million.
ReplyDeleteThe 30 million dollar budget included the 7.5 million Centennial Way stimulus funds. That may have been included initially to exaggerate fundraising progress for the Senate and AHS board. Now, as reported by Clemente, Churchard's budget is 22.5 million.
ReplyDelete