Carrboro ArtsCenter eliminates director Ed Camp's job

The ArtsCenter, struggling with six-figure deficits the past three years, has put  director Ed Camp out of a job. 

In an announcement released a few minutes ago,  the Board of Directors says it voted recently to eliminate two positions:  executive director and Youth Performing Arts Conservatory director.  Board Chair Karen Regan said the ArtsCenter faces the same problems many non-profit and for-profit businesses face in the current economy. In the letter to supporters, she said the board will work with the staff, volunteers and others to provide the day-to-day leadership the organization needs.   

“Fortunately, The ArtsCenter is blessed with a group of talented resources, and we know that community will join us in providing the help we need during these difficult times,” Regan said.   

Camp became head of the ArtsCenter on East Main Streety in the summer of 2009 after managing University Mall.  He will remain as executive director through Feb. 25 and has developed a transition plan "to assist with the important work that needs to be done," according to the release. 

In late November Camp announced a campaign to increase memberships to 1,000 from the then 168. At one time the organization had as many as 1,500  members, he said.

The ArtsCenter reported a net operating loss of $142,309 in fiscal 2008-09, according to its latest 990 filing with the Internal Revenue Service. That followed a $118,264 loss in fiscal 2007-08 and a $125,867 loss in fiscal 2006-7, according to earlier 990 filings.

Although income rose slightly in 2008-09 to nearly $1.5 million, Camps said the ArtsCenter, like many nonprofit arts organizations, has been hit by a "triple whammy" -- tickets sales, donations and grant foundations are all down. "It wasn't for lack of trying," he said of the recent deficits.