Mormon Arts Foundation Executive Director Doug Stewart has moved his office out of the Tuacahn arts complex because of a rent hike. He is taking the foundation's annual four-day festival with him.
Stewart said the foundation is seeking another St. George site for the festival next March. Stewart said he hopes Tuacahn eventually will lower its rates so the festival can return to its original home. If not, foundation officials will consider moving the 1999 festival out of St. George, Stewart said."We provided a quality event that enhances Tuacahn's image," Stewart said. "It saddens me."
Stewart started the festival in 1995 during his former job as Tuacahn director. He stepped down amid financial problems there last year and started the foundation, but he had kept an office at the complex until about a week ago.
Tuacahn wanted to double the $10,000 fees paid by the foundation last year, which it could not afford, Stewart said.
"We're just asking for what every other facility I know of offers in the community - a nonprofit (rental) rate," Stewart said.
Tuachan interim Chief Executive Officer Hyrum Smith said he ended Tuacahn's low rates for nonprofit groups because of shortfalls that have prompted him to slash spending and consider closing the complex.
Smith said the lower rates meant Tuacahn was subsidizing such events, which he would like to do again if he can get the complex on firm financial footing.
Smith said he did offer the foundation a 15 percent discount for the festival rental.
Stewart insists the fees paid for last year's festival covered Tuacahn's costs.
The festival - a symposium of workshops and panel discussions - is expected to draw more than 300 artists from around the world. The event includes performances and exhibits that area residents attend. It is a key part of the foundation's efforts to help LDS artists and provide uplifting art, Stewart said.
A fund-raising effort has brought in $420,000 of the $600,000 Smith said is needed to keep Tuacahn open. Successfully reaching the Dec. 1 deadline may depend on getting some more large contributions, Smith said.