Torpedo Factory Tenants to Lease Directly from City, for Now

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- City Manager Mark B. Jinks announced Wednesday that he has taken action for the City of Alexandria to oversee operation of the Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC) on an interim basis beginning July 1, while discussions continue among stakeholders about future governance of the facility.

“The Torpedo Factory Art Center – and the artists themselves – are integral to Alexandria’s unique cultural and tourism experience,” said Jinks in a news release from the City. “The City’s actions today begin to build a bridge to the future for this important facility. Our goal is to provide certainty and stability by preserving the Art Center’s core character until a new organizational structure is determined.” Here's more about the deal, from the news release:

Complicated arrangement

The Torpedo Factory currently operates under a complicated arrangement whereby the City owns the facility and leases it to the nonprofit Torpedo Factory Art Center Board at a below-market rate, the City explained in the announcement, the City explained in its news release.

The Board then subleases space to the Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association, a limited liability corporation that further subleases space to individual artists’ studios and galleries. The Board also subleases space to The Art League (a nonprofit organization that operates a gallery, fine art school, art supply store, and arts outreach programs) and a café.

Leases set to expire

In July 2015, the Board retained a professional arts consultant to develop a long-term business plan. In January 2016, the Board endorsed the consultant’s recommendation that changes in the facility’s organizational structure, including a new governing entity, are needed to ensure the Torpedo Factory's vibrancy and sustainability. These recommendations were also supported by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. Discussions between the Board, the Artists’ Association, and The Art League are ongoing.

The City’s lease to the Board, and all associated subleases, are set to expire this year. To allow additional opportunity for dialogue among stakeholders without several layers of leases, the City will provide new direct leases to the individual artists and galleries, The Art League, and the café, before Oct. 1, 2016.

Artists notified Wednesday

The City’s intention is that the new leases will preserve the existing amenities and responsibilities the artists have as part of their current leases. City officials met with stakeholder representatives and delivered letters to artists today to notify them of these interim changes. The Board employees who currently serve in administrative and facilities management roles will temporarily become City employees to provide for continuity of operations.

Founded in 1974 in a former munitions plant overlooking the Potomac River, the Torpedo Factory Art Center attracts approximately 500,000 visitors every year to 82 art studios, seven galleries, two workshops, a gift shop, a café, and the City-operated Alexandria Archaeology Museum. The facility’s atrium and waterfront patio are popular venues for private events.

PHOTO of Torpedo Factory courtesy of Visit Alexandria