Board has Laguna in mind

Steven Brezzo

In addition to viewing the work of more than 100 local artists, this

summer at the Festival of Arts, visitors are encouraged to take a

look back. At the entrance to the Irvine Bowl is a cordoned area

protecting an excavation where a time capsule commemorating 70 years

of pageant history will be ceremonially lowered at the conclusion of

the season. It is to be unearthed in 2041 -- the year the newly

signed 40-year lease expires. Contained therein will be mementos,

souvenirs, photos and memorabilia that recount the triumphs and

periodic discord that have characterized this event over its

remarkable life. It should make for interesting reading years from

now.

The theme of this observance is “Seventy years, and still standing

still.” And while that sentiment may serve as a nostalgic anchor for

a marketing campaign, in today’s world of daunting economics and

public expectations it would be disastrous to adopt it as a business

plan for the festival -- or any organization, for that matter.

The Board of the Festival intends both to expand and to preserve

the legacy of the festival. That’s not just its vision -- that’s a

tenet of the new lease with the city of Laguna Beach. The festival is

obligated to provide an improved site, extended programs and more

enterprising service to the community.

In order to meet the terms of this lease and to provide a viable

future to the festival and pageant, the organization must study all

options. In the process, the board is considering traditional sources

of additional funding such as grants, corporate partnerships,

advertising, sponsorships and donations. And they are considering

untraditional funding sources as well. The festival has committed to

none. The board is exploring all.

Recent editorial comments in this paper and in local news reports,

unfortunately, have misinterpreted and misrepresented the actions of

the board. The community should be assured that this board will never

compromise the integrity of this venerable institution. It fought

long and hard to keep the Festival here in town, and it continues to

work just as hard to maintain and assure the integrity and traditions

of the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters here in Laguna

Beach.

When the time capsule is unearthed 40 years from now, the history

of the festival and pageant, the long-standing partnership with its

artists, and the spirit of advancement through community stewardship

will continue to be a cause for celebration.

* STEVEN BREZZO is the executive director of the Festival of Arts

/ Pageant of the Masters.