It’s been a busy summer at ACTF, and while we took a brief pause from our monthly newsletter in July, the work certainly didn’t pause. Our team has been focused on an important project for our community, while continuing to look ahead at how we can create more opportunities for the performing arts in the Tri-Cities. As we head into the fall, I’m excited to share an update on where that work has taken us—and what we’re learning along the way.
Over the past several months, I have shared updates on our work examining the future potential of the REACH Amphitheater. This month marks an important milestone in that effort. ACTF has completed the feasibility study commissioned by the Richland Public Facilities District and presented the final report to the RPFD Board last night.
The study found that the amphitheater has significant potential for greater use, but that several practical limitations currently make it difficult to support a broader range of performances and community events. The recommendations focus on four primary areas: improved performer support spaces, better patron amenities, installed production systems, and improvements to overall site functionality and audience experience.
One principle that guided our work was to identify improvements appropriate to the demonstrated needs of the venue and community. While more extensive improvements could certainly be considered, the study focused on a measured approach intended to make the existing amphitheater more functional, more welcoming, and capable of supporting greater use.
So, what happens next?
That is a question a feasibility study is designed to help answer—but not necessarily to answer completely. A feasibility study examines what may be possible and whether there is sufficient reason to continue exploring it. A business or operating plan comes later and addresses more detailed questions about operations, programming, staffing, partnerships, and financial performance. Our report therefore identifies several areas where additional planning would be valuable as the RPFD considers what should come next.
Good planning is often less about having all the answers at once and more about asking the right questions in the right order.
At the same time, ACTF continues to explore another question: how can we expand access to live arts experiences in our community while the longer-term work of developing appropriate facilities continues?
Over the past few months, we have been exploring opportunities to bring additional professional programming to the community using existing venues throughout the Tri-Cities. Earlier this month, we shared some of these ideas with a small group of community supporters, and we are working to schedule additional opportunities for similar conversations this fall. These discussions are helping us better understand the kinds of experiences that could complement the excellent work already being done by local arts organizations while bringing new programming opportunities to our community.
These efforts—planning for better facilities, exploring new programming, and engaging the community in the conversation—are interconnected. Each helps us learn more about what our region needs and what role ACTF can play in helping meet those needs.
There is still plenty of work ahead. We will continue asking questions, gathering information, testing ideas, and using what we learn to help shape the next steps.
Thank you, as always, for following the journey and for being part of the conversation.
Blake
