01 & 14 (40)Public Comment
From: Anabelle Gunderson <
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 6:04 PM
To: Public Comment
Cc: Anaheim Ballet
Subject: Cooperative Agreement with Anaheim Ballet
Dear Mayor Sidhu and Council Members,
The arts are an important part of any community, and for more than 20 years, Anaheim Ballet has been a valued
arts force and presence in Anaheim. Anaheim Ballet provides free community-based after-school programming,
workforce, and recreational training, bus -in presentations, lecture/demonstrations, and concert performances and
has been recognized both locally and internationally as a point of pride to the City.
The Anaheim Cultural Arts Center (the current home of the Anaheim Ballet) is slated to be demolished without plans
for a new Cultural Arts Center or home for the Anaheim Ballet. If the City demolishes this architecturally unique
building, you will be removing the only Cultural Arts Center in the City and displacing the City's treasured arts
organization. It is best for the community, and especially for our underserved youth, that Anaheim Ballet remains in
its current accessible location!
I personally have been at Anaheim Ballet for 15 years and I can say with all honesty, it made me the person I am
today. I started in the youth outreach program, Step -Up!, and have gone on from there to dance around the country
in the name of this city. Without Anaheim Ballet, I wouldn't have the confidence, goals, or motivation I have now,
and I am not the only young person in this city who has experienced the positive impact of this program. The things
that Anaheim Ballet does for the Anaheim youth cannot be overlooked.
Please vote in support of the Cooperative Agreement with Anaheim Ballet. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Anabelle Gunderson