Mayor Tonya Graham will read the following Proclamation of Support for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at the Ashland City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. 

WHEREAS, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, know with affection locally as OSF, is an important anchor for the Ashland community and for the Southern Oregon region, contributing significantly to Ashland’s and the Rogue Valley’s quality of life, and
 
WHEREAS, OSF is an integral part of the theatre, arts, nature and culinary experiences that give Ashland its unique character and attractiveness, drawing visitors, businesses and residents to the City, and
 
WHEREAS, OSF plays an important role underpinning the local economy and actively carries this responsibility for the betterment of local businesses and Ashland’s citizens, and
 
WHEREAS, OSF inspires the next generation of theater professionals across a continuum of professional roles, thus propagating a commitment to excellence in the arts spanning generations, and
 
WHEREAS, Ensuring a bright, sustainable future for OSF also assures Ashland retains its character rich lifestyle and vibrant local economy, and
 
WHEREAS, OSF’s operations have suffered from the effects of the recent pandemic and the Almeda Fire but its Board of Trustees are actively moving to recover from these events with sound business decisions that can enable the organization to move forward with strength, and
 
WHEREAS, OSF is working to build momentum with a new fundraising effort that targets a successful 2023 Season and builds toward continued success in 2024, and the 90th Anniversary Season in 2025, knowing that its supporters in Southern Oregon and beyond can help it fulfill its mission to delight audiences with powerful stories through exceptional in-person and online theatrical experiences, and
 
WHEREAS, OSF recognizes that partnering for momentum with the City Council, other elected officials and local economic institutions to build the Ashland Brand Community, as proposed at the City’s recent Economic Roundtable, serves the interests of the entire Ashland community, and
 
WHEREAS, The City of Ashland City and its citizens have been consistent in their support of OSF and remain committed to its continued success. 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tonya Graham, on behalf of the City of Ashland, do hereby confirm our support of OSF and call upon the local community to continue its support in whatever appropriate capacity because, In Ashland we are Better Together.