Cultivate 7Twelve calling it quits in original spot, may find new home
Cultivate 7Twelve, a forum and display opportunity downtown that some artists found irresistible, will close its Austin Avenue shop by mid-January.
Proprietor Debbie Wright said the gallery faces revised lease rates after seven years that do not fit its budget.
Cultivate will go out with a bang, as she will host a fundraising extravaganza Dec. 31, New Year's Eve, with a "James Bond, 007 theme," Wright said. Others with space downtown, having heard of Cultivate's predicament, have contacted Wright with offers. She said she is mulling one that could produce an exciting partnership.
David Corkill confirmed he has approached Wright about space availability at 924 Austin Ave., home to his Performing Arts Community Center only two blocks from Cultivate's current location at 712 Austin Ave.
"We're working to get Cultivate over here in some shape, way or form," Corkill said. "I don't understand why property managers are playing hardball. ... There are empty spaces downtown, at least four between Ninth and 11th on Austin Avenue. I would understand if supplies were few and far between."
Corkill said his Performing Arts Community Center leases a single space at 924 Austin Ave. but can exercise options on two others, one 4,500 square feet, the other 7,000 square feet. The center features a common room, art room, music room, dance studio, stage, lobby, concession stand and storage room. The center hosts performances, classes and workshops. Corkill said locally owned coffee company Common Grounds has offices there.
Corkill said he is also fielding feelers from individuals and groups that may need to shift venues due to Cultivate's closing. He is willing to make space available if possible. He also confirmed interest in working with Wright.
Wright is the latest in a series of people who have tried to make 712 Austin Ave. work as an art gallery. Katie Croft originally converted the space to its present gallery/shop configuration. Her efforts were followed by those of Rebekah and Jeremy Hagman, Cory Dickman, then Wright, according to reporting in the Tribune-Herald.
"This is our seventh-year anniversary," said Wright, whose enterprise covers 8,800 square feet spread over three floors. She said her landlord, Waco businessman Brett Jameson, has been gracious in his dealings with Cultivate, which launched with a five-year lease that was extended.
"Things have changed downtown," Wright said, referencing rising property values, lease rates and tax burdens borne by landlords.
Wright said she hopes any user that follows Cultivate into the 8,800 square feet "is respectful of it, and cherishes it as much as we did."
Creative Waco CEO Fiona Bond said she is heartened to hear others on the local art scene have responded to Cultivate's plight. She said indications are the Performing Arts Community Center represents the heir apparent to what Cultivate has offered the local art scene.
On a related note, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce has announced its first State of Arts & Culture event hosted in partnership with Creative Waco and presenting sponsors, Munck Wilson Mandala LLP and Rick Sheldon Real Estate.
The gathering "is designed to celebrate Greater Waco's vibrant arts community and explore the vital role that arts and culture play in shaping the city's economy, education, and quality of life," according to a press release.
It is scheduled 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Cambria Hotel, 110 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., "and will bring together leaders from the arts, business, education and government sectors."
