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Artists Alliance of North Florida Special Event (B)
This is a request for the City Commission to waive the rental fees for the use of the Thomas Center on April 14th and 15th, 2006 by the Artists Alliance of North Florida.
Explanation
The Artists Alliance of North Florida (AAONF) is producing their Third Invitational Commercial Paint Out, (the largest in the southeastern United States), in the communities of Evinston and Cross Creek from April 7th through the 15th. This event will culminate in a Gala on Friday the 14th and a sale of art work on Saturday the 15th both at the Thomas Center. It is staff's understanding that part of the proceeds from the sale of the Art Work will go to the historic preservation of the Wood and Swink Old Store Post Office in Evinston.
In late June of 2005, the AAONF inquired about using the Thomas Center to host their Friday Night Gala and Saturday Art Sale. At that time staff informed AAONF that established Thomas Center rental guidelines prohibited the co-sponsorship of events relating to fundraisers or social gatherings.
As the Gala and Art Sale fall under the guidelines of a social event and fund raising event, staff discussed possible rental rates with representatives of AAONF. At that time AAONF agreed to the rental of the Center and paid a $200 non-refundable deposit for the two days.
In their information packet, AAONF states that it planned to pay the Thomas Center rental fee, but that anticipated funding support from Arts Tag and the Convention and Visitors Bureau did not materialize. AAONF is now requesting that the City of Gainesville waive the rental fees for the use of the Thomas Center on April 14th and April 15th.
Although Cultural Affairs staff does not yet have specific information regarding set-up needs from AAONF for the use of the Thomas Center, staff has estimated the rental fee to be $2,464.07 including tax. These costs include staff time to set up and break down equipme...
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