Oregon Shakespeare Festival board: You asked me for money, so tell me — what is OSF’s mission? What is OSF’s purpose in Ashland going forward (not OSF’s history)?
I’m confused. According to the:
• Most recent IRS 990 tax filing. OSF’s mission: “Inspired by Shakespeare’s work and the cultural richness of the United States, we reveal our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, deepened by the kaleidoscope of rotating repertory.” As mission statements go, this is not bad — relatively simple, even inspiring. Yes.
• OSF Bylaws (2019): “The Association is dedicated to presenting dramatic productions of high professional quality. The Association is primarily oriented toward productions of the works of William Shakespeare. It also encourages and sponsors productions of other dramatic works.” Lawyerly, but I’m in.
• 2021 OSF WSYWAT (“We See You, White American Theatre”) response, signed by OSF leadership: “OSF is a space for artists. That is the only reason we exist.” OSF exists only to be an artist entitlement organization? Nope, I’m out.
• OSF legal filing, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB, 2023): “The Employer is a not-for-profit anti-racist social justice organization located in Ashland, Oregon, that presents plays in repertory.” I don’t know what this means. I’ll pass.
• OSF website 2023 Mission & Values: “Led by Artistic Director Nataki Garrett, OSF expands access to the transformational power of art and art-making. A global entity and an ever-evolving container for the future that responds to changing tides, the organization is committed to co-liberation through radically inclusive, accessible, and collaborative practices, serving as an industry leader in IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) work. By centering and nurturing artists and multimodal, multidisciplinary work, OSF attracts and retains diverse talent from around the globe and is a welcoming space, both in person and online, for all audiences.” What? No.
OSF board, please help me. What is OSF’s mission?
Gary Herman
Ashland
