For Immediate Release                                                          Contacts: Caitlin Kelleher
August 9, 2008                                                                                        505-476-2299
                                                                                                             Doug Svetnicka
                                                                                       Department of Cultural Affairs
                                                                                                                 505-827-4378
 
Gov. Richardson Announces State Partnership with Spencer Theater
Department of Cultural Affairs will assume responsibility for facilities and grounds
 
RUIDOSO – Governor Bill Richardson today announced plans for a unique public-private partnership that will bring the operation of one of southern New Mexico’s most important cultural venues under the wing of the state Department of Cultural Affairs.
           
A memorandum of understanding agreement, signed today by Governor Richardson’s administration and representatives from the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, will give responsibility for the Spencer Theater facilities and grounds to the Department of Cultural Affairs.  The theater’s current managers, Spencer Theater, Inc., will continue its program development and fundraising responsibilities.
 
“This is the first step in creating an innovative collaboration that will ensure that the Spencer and its high quality performing arts and educational programming will continue to serve the people of New Mexico,” said Governor Bill Richardson.
 
Designed by renowned Albuquerque architect Antoine Predock, the 49,474 sq.ft., 514-seat Spencer Theater opened in October 1997 on approximately 70 acres near the town of Alto, six miles north of Ruidoso. The construction cost of $22 million was funded solely by the late Dr. A.N. Spencer and Jackie Spencer Morgan of Alto.  Dr. Spencer died in December 1999.  Jackie died in May 2003.
 
As part of the agreement, the Jacqueline Spencer Morgan Spencer Theater Trust will donate a nearby residence and 139 acres of land to Cultural Affairs.  The state will work with Eastern New Mexico University on plans for a possible campus to be built on the residence site.
 
“This is a very exciting time in the history of the Spencer Theater,” said Charles Centilli, the Spencer Theater’s executive director.  “We have always believed that many minds working together can create great outcomes, and the state, the Spencer Theater and Eastern New Mexico University are working together to develop an everlasting alliance in this community that will forever improve life.”
 
Negotiations between the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Spencer Theater have been underway since the beginning of the year.  Lt. Gov. Diane Denish was involved early on in the partnership discussions.
 
“I think this agreement is a great win for everyone – Ruidoso, the state, the Spencer Theater and eventually ENMU,” said Lt. Governor Denish.  “The Board of the Spencer Theater deserves credit for initiating this conversation and making the agreement possible. Our administration is committed to ensuring this valuable resource continues to thrive, benefiting all New Mexicans.”
 
The white, wedge-shaped building – faced with 450 tons of Spanish mica-flecked limestone – was designed to harmonize with nearby Sierra Blanca Peak and is considered an architectural focal point of south central New Mexico.  The Spencer is also home to numerous, large blown glass installations by famed Seattle artist Dale Chihuly.
 
The theater currently books and presents both summer and winter seasons with approximately 30 – 35 events per year of touring concerts, plays, dance companies, and family and children’s shows.  The Department of Cultural Affairs role will be to support and enhance this year-round programming at the Spencer.
 
“We are excited about being involved in such a prominent and successful cultural facility in south central New Mexico,” said Cultural Affairs Secretary Stuart Ashman.  “With the Spencer Theater under our umbrella, we will work ambitiously with some of our current partners – such as the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Opera and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival – to bring enhanced performing arts programming to this part of New Mexico.”
 
Ashman said that Cultural Affairs will request an appropriation from the New Mexico Legislature during its 2009 session to assist with operation of the Spencer, including funding for technical, maintenance and security staff, as well as facility upkeep, utilities and insurance.
 
 
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