THE LENSIC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Lensic is both a venue rented by other groups and a presenter — 20 to 25 percent of the 200 or more performances there annually are under its Lensic Presents banner. It also operates a community box office that sells tickets for events at other venues, as well as its own. Overview: Expenses in FY 2019 were $4.2 million. The Lensic has a debt-free balance sheet and has balanced its operating budget in three of the last four fiscal years. The endowment and cash reserve ranking is 2 stars. Staff reductions: Fifteen of 27 Lensic employees were laid off in July, primarily in technical and ticketing positions. 2021 performances: No in-person Lensic Presents events are currently scheduled; the few remaining in-person events booked by outside groups are expected to be canceled soon. Executive Director Joel Aalberts says his “optimistic hope” is that reducedcapacity live events will return at some point this year. Major online events for Lensic Presents in 2021 will be announced soon. Aalberts’ biggest concern: “I feel like we’re in a very challenging race, but we have no idea where the finish line is. We want the community to be healthy and able to engage in the arts safely.” Staff and board morale: “We’ve weathered this well,” says Aalberts, who has led the organization since August 2016. “We continue to be busy, just on different kinds of things than usual. We’ve completed some very successful education programs and are planning some additional activities for 2021.” Potential strength: The Lensic’s long community history and broad programming range give it a more diverse audience than other groups. It has one of the most high-powered boards among Santa Fe arts organizations, with a charismatic chair in Nancy Zeckendorf. Potential weakness: Much of the Lensic’s earned revenue comes via venue rentals and ticket sales fees, so its health depends on the health and survival of other groups.
“I feel like we’re in a very challenging race, but we have no idea where the finish line is. We want the community to be healthy and able to engage in the arts safely.” — Joel Aalberts, executive director of the Lensic Performing Arts Center