Changes at Overture

The Foundation changes its name and adds board members. Will any of it make a difference, now that they are allegedly on their own and can’t come back to the city? Or will they fail and will they be back? They have a lot of money to raise every year in a bad economy.

201 State Foundation Changes Name, Expands Board of Directors
Overture Center Foundation Prepares to Take Over Leadership of Arts Center

The 201 State Foundation this evening changed its name to Overture Center Foundation, adopted new articles of incorporation and bylaws, and elected seven new members to its Board of Directors, expanding the membership to 18. These changes prepare the board to take over ownership and operation of the arts center on State Street in Madison.

Joining the board of directors are:

* Jim Burgess, Former publisher, Wisconsin State Journal
* Joe Sensenbrenner, Former mayor, City of Madison
* Jim Imhoff, President, First Weber Realty
* Kevin Conroy, CEO, Exact Sciences
* Lon Sprecher, President & COO, Dean Health Services
* Roberta Gassman, Former Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
* Bill Johnston, Publisher, Wisconsin State Journal
* Dianne Christensen, President, Christensen Associates
* Richard Davis, Professor of Music, University of Wisconsin – Madison

“The next chapter of the Overture story begins today,” said Overture Center Foundation Chair Deirdre Garton. “This impressive group of community leaders bring a broad perspective to bear for Overture Center. Their collective experience, wisdom and commitment to the arts in Madison will ensure a bright and exciting future for Overture, the downtown and the entire region.”

Until today, 201 State Foundation was the fundraising arm of Overture Center for the Arts, which is owned by Overture Development Corporation and operated by Madison Cultural Arts District. The new Overture Center Foundation will take over operation of the facility on January 1, 2012.

The Board of Directors will continue to grow as the City of Madison will appoint three members in accordance with an agreement for the city to provide an annual subsidy.