Bowie Center for the Performing Arts director urges council to increase city operating support

Christopher Dwyer, executive director of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, addressed the Bowie City Council Sept. 15 and asked the city to consider a 25% increase in annual operating support.

“My name is Christopher Dwyer, and I am the executive director of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts,” Dwyer said during the public comment period. He told council the facility opened in February 2004 through a memorandum of understanding among stakeholders and that current operating support has not been adjusted to account for inflation since the MOU was created.

Dwyer told council the center needs upgrades and repairs, including conversion of stage lighting from incandescent to LED, roof repairs that allow rain to enter the building during heavy storms, HVAC work and a deep cleaning of the lobby and front areas. He said those needs, combined with rising labor costs since 2004, justify additional support.

“I’m here today to implore the city council and you, Mister Mayor, and anyone else who is listening to consider a 25% increase in the annual operating funding for the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts,” Dwyer said.

Dwyer requested the council consider the increase during the next budget process and suggested the city could then ask other stakeholders — including Prince George’s County and Prince George’s County Public Schools, which were involved in the center’s creation — to evaluate comparable increases on their side.

The comments were made during the public‑comment portion of the meeting; council did not take immediate action on the request during the Sept. 15 session.