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Carson Valley Arts Council chosen to operate county Cultural & Performing Arts Center; 5‑year contract approved
Summary
The Board approved a five‑year contract for the Carson Valley Arts Council (CVAC) to manage and operate the county's Cultural and Performing Arts Community Center (former movie theater). CVAC committed to a $250,000 investment and the agreement allows an optional three‑year extension.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on June 26 approved a five‑year contract with the Carson Valley Arts Council (CVAC) to manage and operate the county’s planned Cultural and Performing Arts Community Center at the former movie‑theater site on U.S. 395 in Minden.
The county purchased the cinema earlier in 2025 and issued a request for proposals seeking a nonprofit operator. The agreement with CVAC requires an initial organization investment and outlines responsibilities for programming, fundraising and daily operation; the initial term is five years with an option for CVAC to extend for an additional three years under specified terms.
Brian Fitzgerald, CVAC president, told commissioners the CVAC board unanimously approved the operating agreement June 16 and that the council will operate the eight existing movie screens under the current operator relationships in the near term while securing funding and developing a phased renovation plan. “For the first year, we really don't anticipate a whole lot in change of that operation until such time funding has been identified for remodel work,” Fitzgerald said.
Community Services Director Brooke Ady said the county required a $250,000 contribution in the RFP to demonstrate commitment; the operating agreement spells out the CVAC funding schedule and obligations. CVAC said the board has expanded its membership and is recruiting additional expertise in visual and performing arts to support operations and the capital campaign.
Commissioner Robert Tarkanian moved approval; Commissioner Wes Rice seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Why this matters: The contract gives the county an operator committed to programming and fundraising for a performance venue that county and community members have sought for years. The facility’s full buildout and stage requirements will require further design and fundraising; CVAC and county staff said they plan to pursue grants and private donors and to engage an architect under a phased approach.
Clarifying details noted during the meeting: CVAC will initially continue movie operation under the existing management relationship for about a year while raising funds and engaging an architect; the facility totals more than 20,000 square feet and is intended to support larger stages, fixed seating and dedicated backstage and classroom/gallery space as funding allows.
Speakers quoted: Brian Fitzgerald, president, Carson Valley Arts Council; Brooke Ady, Community Services Director. Commissioners participating included Charla Hales (chair), Robert Tarkanian and Wes Rice.
Ending note: The operating agreement gives the nonprofit a clear role and a near‑term revenue stream while county and CVAC leaders pursue phased capital upgrades and fundraising to convert the site into a larger performing‑arts venue.
