Stakeholders meeting today to discuss Broadway-style theater

Secularists and agnostics in the north end of the Salt Lake Valley and Latter-day Saint families in the south end are the two populations most interested in a new Broadway-style theater, according to statistics compiled as part of creating a Salt Lake County Cultural Facilities Master Plan.

But the master plan study doesn't address whether a new theater should be built in Salt Lake City or in Sandy, said county arts director Phil Jordan. Rather, the study examines whether there is a Broadway theater-size gap in the county, and if there are gaps for things like rehearsal space, sculpture and small meeting places.

"This is substantially broader than that," said County Councilman Joe Hatch. "It is going to address issues and needs that are maybe more significant."

The results of the six-month study will be made public after a group of stakeholders meets secretly to see the plan today. The private meeting will allow the elected officials and members of the arts community to freely express their views, Jordan said.

Both Sandy and Salt Lake City are planning to build Broadway-style theaters, but a feasibility study by Sandy indicates the valley can only support one theater.

The facilities master plan is expected to guide county government in supporting arts facilities and cultural organizations countywide, Jordan said during a presentation to the County Council on Tuesday. The study being discussed today lists the current facilities — there are more than 130 — makes recommendations about future cultural needs and suggests a framework for decision-making and funding.

The study takes into account data that was collected from the community in the form of an online survey, a Dan Jones & Associates telephone poll, a survey of arts organizations and results of a stakeholder advisory committee.

"I think it's important and exciting to see how many sites are being used in the county for art-related activities," said Midvale Mayor JoAnn Seghini, who sits on the committee. "Much of what we do with arts in the county is local, and that's great because it helps people to learn about the arts and appreciate the arts. It makes our future audience and our future players."

Seghini added that the plan will help the county shift toward supporting the facilities that are up and running and away from trying to dot the valley with new art centers.

The results of the master plan study will be presented Sept. 16, followed by six town-hall meetings where additional data will be gathered. The final report is expected to be made public Sept. 23.

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E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com