Waldron news conference to announce arts center’s future

The Bloomington Area Arts Council met with city officials Wednesday to discuss a proposal on whether to transfer ownership of the John Waldron Arts Center to the City of Bloomington.
Miah Michaelsen, assistant economic development director for the arts at City Hall, said that the BAAC and city officials will hold a press conference 10 a.m. Thursday to announce the decision reached in the meeting.
Michaelsen declined to comment further.
Previously, Michaelsen said the board would vote Wednesday to transfer ownership to the city, which will then likely turn management over to a third-party organization.
Rob Hanrahan, executive director of the BAAC, announced last week the council currently owes $150,000 in expenses, which needed to be paid in full by March 1 in order for the Waldron to stay open.
Though the deadline passed, the Waldron has remained open.
James Whitlatch, interim president of the board of trustees, said if the transfer occurs it should cover the cost of the debt incurred by the BAAC.

— Ben Kerns