03/06/2015
17 leaders of DC cultural institutions speak out on behalf of ICE in a letter to Mayor Bowser:
Dear Mayor Bowser:
As leaders of 17 cultural institutions in Washington, DC, we strongly encourage you to explore what may be done to continue the city’s commitment to using the Franklin School for the Institute for Contemporary Expression (ICE). Last year’s inspired decision to award the School to ICE – made after a long and careful process - was met with unanimous praise across the city and by this arts community. ICE was chosen because it has a unique ability to honor the historic Adolf Cluss building and propel the neighborhood to new civic prominence.
ICE can be a cornerstone of a multi-faceted neighborhood revitalization, placing DC on the list of visionary cities that have given cultural institutions a prominent role in urban planning and neighborhood reclamation. When Forbes last year named Washington, DC, the “coolest city” in America, it gave our city a rating of 99 out of 100 for culture, behind only New York and Boston. Innovative projects like Franklin School’s ICE are a vibrant contemporary complement to the city’s traditional museums, a “leading edge” that will contribute to Washington’s image as an exciting arts destination.
We also appreciate your commitment as Mayor to a strong fiscal foundation for the city, and we recognize the need for new revenues to support the city’s expanding population. We understand that a new city administration must take a fresh look across all the fiscal priorities. We know that ICE’s leader, Dani Levinas, is flexible and open to discussing with you new ideas and plans that could accommodate your concerns, and he will be creative in exploring solutions that work for all.
Mayor Bowser, we applaud your campaign focus on investing in our city’s “creative economy” and we appreciate your confidence in our institutions. ICE is a well thought-out and vital project that fits well within your vision. Your recent Innovate DC DCCAH funding initiative describes perfectly the attributes of the Franklin School ICE project.
It’s important to note that Dani Levinas participated in good faith in the city’s process for selecting a plan for the Franklin School. He has worked tirelessly for two years to turn this winning proposal into a reality, with an ever-increasing circle of advocates, strong planning for the historic building renovation, and key fund-raising commitments. We believe he has earned an opportunity to talk with you and others about your issues and concerns, to seek solutions together. We urge you to meet with Dani Levinas and other advocates to explore how ICE can fulfill its vision while also meeting the city’s needs.
Sincerely,
Angel Gil-Ordóñez, President
Chris Denby, Chairman of the Board
PostClassical Ensemble
Jenny Bilfield, President and CEO,
Washington Performing Arts
David Muse, Artistic Director
Studio Theatre
Mike McCarthy, Music Director
Washington National Cathedral
Dorothy Kosinski, Director
The Phillips Collection
Dianne Peterson, Executive Director
The Washington Chorus
Lisa Gold, Executive Director
Washington Project for the Arts
Steve Antosca, Artistic Director
National Gallery of Art New Music Ensemble
Emily and Mitch Rales, Chairman
Glenstone Museum
Judy Greenberg, Director
Kreeger Museum
Susan Fisher Sterling, Director
National Museum of Women in the Arts
John Hauge, Board member
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Jack Rasmussen, Director
American University Art Museum at the Katzen Center
Peter Jablow, President
Levine Music
Elizabeth Broun, Director
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Reilly Lewis,
Conductor, Music Director
Andres Navia, Director
Art Museum of the Americas
