Two Seek To Run Arts Center

Two groups, one a non-profit and the other a for-profit, have returned applications to manage the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS), a non-profit headed by Dennis Assaf, and building management company SMG were the only two applicants.

In 2007, when construction began on the Arts Center, the Parish issued an RFP for a management company but pulled the RFP due to construction delays.

Assaf has been highly critical of the RFP process stating that the RFP was designed to favor a company at the expense of groups like JPAS. Assaf has openly lobbied for the management contract to run the Arts Center.

The two groups, JPAS and SMG, have divergent goals. The mission of JPAS is to provide Arts Education and serve the community. SMG’s main mission, as an international public company, is to provide a monetary profit to their shareholders.

SMG manages properties worldwide and locally manages the Louisiana Superdome, the New Orleans Arena and the Pontrchartrain Center. JPAS manages the current Jefferson Performing Arts Center, located in the East Jefferson High School Auditorium, as well as The Westwego Performing Arts Theatre and Teatro Wego! Theatre. SMG manages facilities with over 1.5 Million Seats and is an industry leader. JPAS serves the people of Jefferson Parish.

“SMG is a highly qualified company. But that doesn’t mean they are more qualified than us,” Assaf said.

Assaf continued, “We recommended the location for the Performing Arts Center. We went to state legislators to get the initial funding for the construction of the building.”

At least one Jefferson Parish Councilman agrees with Assaf.

“It’s likely that without JPAS’s involvement, there might not be an Arts Center in Jefferson Parish,” Councilman Chris Roberts said. “Dennis Assaf and JPAS do a tremendous job bringing Arts, talent and culture to the Parish.”

While acknowledging Assaf and JPAS, Councilman Roberts expressed concern about the financial viability of the Performing Arts Center.

“Regardless of which company receives the management contract to operate the Arts Center, it is incumbent on the Administration and Parish Council to ensure that taxpayers aren’t at risk if there are operational shortfalls.”

“With the construction cost overruns and potential operational liability on the Parish taxpayers, the Arts Center has the potential to become a money pit,” Roberts said. “I can’t allow that to happen.”

Before signing off on any management contract, Roberts wants clear language limiting the Parish’s liability if a management group is unable to achieve their financial goals and runs a deficit. “The Parish must not have an open-ended liability for the maintenance and operations of the Arts Center.”

For his part, Assaf said that JPAS, while not nearly the same size as SMG, has a strong financial track record. “For 32 years of operation, JPAS has never been in the red.”

Assaf also offered another contrast between JPAS and SMG: “SMG runs buildings worldwide. Jefferson Parish isn’t their home. We'll treat it like home, as it is JPAS who 'built it'. It won't be just a vessel of commerce but a true community theatrical facility devoted to service and education, not just profit.”

The Jefferson Performing Arts Center has been plagued by design problems and cost overruns. It is currently $16 Million over it's original cost estimate and additional cost overruns are expected that could push the final construction tab to $46 Million.

Unless the RFP is canceled or otherwise delayed, the Council is expected to vote on the Arts Center management contract in March.

To learn more about JPAS and the Arts Center management contract, please visit www.supportjpas.org.