The West Valley City Council has approved the transfer of the West Valley Performing Arts Center to the newly reformed West Valley Arts Foundation. The approval on Dec. 10, 2024 gives the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization a fresh start after the longtime West Valley theater looked like it might be closed this winter.

Council passed a resolution declaring the Performing Arts Center surplus, and approved an appropriation to West Valley Arts in the amount of $5,202,646 in cash and property. Council also approved a Facility and Grant Agreement governing the terms of the appropriation.

It marks the end of a campaign by actors and supporters of the theater to keep it open and gives the entertainment team a chance to move forward with an aggressive marketing campaign to keep live theater performances going in the city.

 “The transfer of the West Valley Performing Arts Center to the West Valley Arts Foundation marks an exciting new chapter, ensuring a vibrant future filled with creativity, community engagement, and unforgettable artistic experiences,” said CEO Jeff Olsen in a release. “The West Valley Performing Arts Center is more than just a venue—it’s a home where artists, performers, and theater enthusiasts can come together, create, and be part of a supportive and inspiring community.”

The Foundation’s new board includes Olsen, Kate Rufener as board chair, Vanessa Olson as COO, John Sweeney as artistic consultant and board vice chair, and Donn Jersey, CEO of Strategic 3C, as development director.

In the public hearing prior to the council vote, Jersey spoke about the power of storytelling. He is past director of communications and development for the Utah Shakespearean Festival, as well as former publisher of the Las Vegas Sun newspaper.

“The news publishing side of me believes that the best story in theater is happening right here in West Valley City,” he said. “This theater group is as good as you’ll see anywhere in the country. The staff knows what they are doing and they are superb. My firm is leading the development and we’re going to do it successfully. This is a place where dreams will take flight.”

Sweeney has a long history working with West Valley Performing Arts, as well as other theater companies in the area. He told the council “this is just an introduction to the next chapter, on how we move forward representing the city, representing the arts. You have the power here tonight to be the hero of our story.”

Rufener thanked the council for “putting time, effort and thought, so we could realize this vision. Thank you for what you have done, for the miracle that you have provided.”

Councilmember Lars Nordfelt said the organizers who were praising the city council for considering the transfer “are giving us lots of credit. It’s easy to listen to people who are passionate about something, who worked with us hard and respectively. We didn’t save the theater through a vote tonight…you did. I think our West Valley Arts is stronger than ever.”

Council then approved the resolution in a 6-1 vote. Only councilmember Scott Harmon voted against it.

Rufener said the foundation is already hard at work preparing for the new season that begins Feb. 7 with a production called “The Play That Goes Wrong,” produced by a group of thespians and artists certain to make everything go right in the years ahead. λ