Bossier Arts Council termination

BAC board president warned the 7-day/March 30 deadline risks damage to 45 years of assets and raised fixture questions; asked for more time for a clean separation.

Artist and BAC board secretary detailed the BAC's financial performance, awards, and $100,000 invested in the building; asked to stay or be granted honorable time to relocate.

BAC supporter said the group is in good standing with the state and IRS, called it a first offense, and asked for enough time to safely move 45 years of belongings.

New BAC board member and Flying Heart Brewing VP described compliance work underway, the rescheduled Artini fundraiser, and the lack of alternative East Bank venues; asked for more time and communication.

Former longtime BAC director who built the East Bank stage implored the council not to evict the organization and pledged to help restore compliance.

Said the timing hurts — kicking the group out in March wrecks its whole year — and questioned why the city gave $80,000 without oversight; urged a slower approach.

Actor and substitute teacher who grew up in Bossier described the BAC's impact on students and the film industry and urged the council to rethink the vote.

The Arts Council board president admitted the group remains non-compliant after its extension request was denied, but said it's working with auditors and asked for time, noting it has a year of programming funding.

An actress and District 4 resident described the council's affordable rehearsal space, galleries, and school art shows, and argued a 45-year partnership deserves a chance to fix its mistakes.

A Bossier resident argued the organization is trying hard, and warned that losing it would hurt arts and music programs in every Bossier Parish school.

A preschool teacher and single mom said the group's paperwork failures were the prior director's doing, and worried about moving costs and a vacant East Bank building if funding is cut.

A local piano entertainer credited the Arts Council with incubating his one-man show and asked the council not to terminate the agreement.

A resident thanked the council for listening carefully to everyone on both sides before deciding.

Asked the council to table the termination for two weeks so he could contact the legislative auditor and restore compliance, acknowledging the organization's failures.

Former BAC president urged the council to fix the reporting problem rather than eliminate the organization.

Described BAC as a cornerstone of the East Bank and asked the council to give them more time.

Argued losing the arts council would depress property values by up to 20% and cost the city more to replace its East Bank programming.

A seven-year-old artist asked the council not to erase the artists' names on the theater wall.

Board president of Company Repertory Theatre described BAC as a critical arts ecosystem partner and economic driver.

Chairman of Got Your Six Louisiana described BAC's partnership in Vetfest and asked for a reasonable extension.

An artist who asked the council not to let a communication mistake kill the East Bank arts hub.

Criticized the city's track record on arts and culture and urged leaders to lean on artists.

A Bossier artist who said kids need a local place to make art and asked the council to give BAC time.

An eight-year-old visitor who said closing BAC over one person's mistake is unfair to the whole community.

Said art changed his life and the community needs the BAC.

Questioned whether the public had enough notice and whether BAC could realistically relocate by the March 30 deadline.