MINNEAPOLIS — A beloved member of downtown Minneapolis' theater district announced its performers will take the stage as part of the company for the last time this spring.
The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts announced its final season will end on March 31, two months earlier than was planned, affecting productions that had been slated for April and May.
"We face the difficult task of announcing the early end of our season at the Goodale Theater, concluding on March 31st. This was not a decision made lightly, and it reflects the more recent complex challenges that have affected our business model," a Facebook post from the organization read.
A press release on the company's website said officials came to the decision after what they referred to as recent "financial challenges," "despite a persistent commitment" to "forge a sustainable operational model."
"These challenges were exacerbated by the economic impact of a global pandemic, leading to lower ticket sales, funding," the statement said. "Furthermore, The Cowles Center's largest donor and administrative partner, Artspace is unable to provide the sustaining support it has given The Cowles Center in the past."
Cowles said although there's been a private fundraising push, the dance center couldn't make a deal in time to keep their operations going past March. But despite its abrupt end, Cowles said it will work with Artspace, a nonprofit real estate developer catered toward the arts, to "remain dedicated" to the "communities they serve."
"The Cowles Center's renowned education programs that occur in schools and through distance learning, serving nearly 6,000 students annually will continue through the end of the school year," Cowles' statement read.
Additionally, the organization said its community engagement program serving early career artists will continue through May, and the Hennepin Center for the Arts will continue to offer dance studio rentals.
"We stand by our artists and community during this time and are heartened to fulfill our commitments to them. The Cowles Center’s heart beats strong in our final season's lineup, and we invite you to join us in making these last performances a resounding celebration of what we've built together."
For more information about what's next for the Cowles Center, or to learn about how ticket holders will be affected by its closure, visit its website.
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