July 1, 2002

A group of mayors attending the 70th Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Madison went on a tour hosted by the Overture Development Corporation as part of a "traveling workshop" Monday, June 17.

The Overture Development Corporation is the non-profit entity developing The Overture Center for the Arts, a newly remodeled and expanded major cultural arts center in downtown Madison. Mayors had the opportunity to tour the work site and learn more about its impact on economic development and the involvement of city government.

Madison Mayor Susan J.M. Bauman welcomed the nation's mayors to the session, "The Overture Project- A Case Study in the Role of the Arts in Revitalizing a Downtown."

George Austin, President of the Overture Development Corporation, stated, "The Overture Project, like Monona Terrace, will be a new Madison landmark that will help build the health and vitality of downtown Madison."

Deb Archer, President of the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau, addressed the impact of the arts on Madison's economic development and tourism and noted a $25.6 million annual impact in Madison as well as an annual statewide impact of $113 million.

The Overture Center for the Arts, currently under construction, is the result of a $100 million civic gift from Madison businessperson Jerry Frautschi, given to stimulate downtown Madison's exciting renaissance through excellence in the arts. In partnership with the city of Madison, the non-profit corporation is developing the project that will provide a flexible range of performing and visual arts.

Phase one of the project is now approximately 25 percent complete and is scheduled for completion in mid-2004. This phase includes a new 2,254 seat state of the art performance hall, Rotunda Stage, gathering and lecture space, three new flexible community performance spaces, New Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters Gallery, three new additional art galleries, and multi-purpose spaces for receptions and meetings. Phase two of the project is scheduled for completion in 2005 and will include a renovated 790 seat mid-size theater, a renovated 350 seat theater, an expanded and remodeled Madison Art Center with new 220 seat lecture hall, and updated community reception spaces.