Uncertainty Looms for Bossier Arts Council Amid Eviction Threat

The Bossier Arts Council (BAC) could be facing major changes. But the Bossier City Council has delayed taking action on an ordinance which would terminate the cooperative endeavor agreement between the city and the Arts Council. This battle has been brewing for several weeks.

As part of this action, management of the East Bank District will be handled by the city for the time being rather than the Arts Council.

The Bossier Arts Council has been located in the East Bank District for more than 40 years. But the agency has failed to file required financial reports to the State Legislative Auditor for the past 3 years. Nathan Hicks, Board Member of the BAC has asked the council to give him 2 more weeks to try to work out a plan with the Legislative Auditor's Office to get reports up to date.

The State Legislative Auditor has strongly suggested that the City of Bossier City provide no more funding to the Bossier Arts Council because of this delinquency. Councilman Smith tells KEEL News the state and the federal government have already ended funding to the agency.

Mayor Tommy Chandler says "any organization that will be supported and represents the Arts in Bossier is expected and required to be accountable, compliant, and properly managed."

A Transition in Leadership for Arts Council

Brittainy Pope resigned as executive director of the BAC back in October. She had served as executive director since 2022. Current staffers say they were not aware of the reporting failures. They have hired a new accountant and are working to get the overdue reports filed with the state.

How Much Does the Bossier Arts Council Get from Bossier City?

The city gives the Bossier Arts Council $130,000 in cash each year. But the city also provides free rent at the old Municipal Complex Building on Barksdale Boulevard. The city also pays the utilities for the building. So, the total amount for the BAC is about $300,000 dollars.

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Bossier Councilman Chris Smith tells KEEL News this debate is not about anyone with the city being against arts and culture. He says “it's really about responsibility. When organization gets tax dollars and public resources are involved there has to be a level of accountability.”

He says councilmembers want to support things that benefit the community, but he says leaders also have to protect tax dollars.