On Tuesday, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors voted to disclaim the County’s interest of the Nevada County Cultural Preservation Trust, established in 1989 as the ownership of the Miners Foundry Cultural Center. The City of Nevada City and County of Nevada are jointly listed as beneficiaries of the trust. The City is working towards taking operational control of the Foundry to preserve the community asset and expand public access to its programs and facilities.
Supervisors Chair Heidi Hall shared her thanks to Nevada City for stepping in. “I am incredibly grateful for all the work Nevada City and the community has done to save and sustain this building and its cultural identity. This is a great solution to maintaining this iconic institution and the historical significance of the building.”
“People love this institution. The City feels obligated and honored to take it over so that it continues to be a cultural center for both the city and county,” added Nevada City Councilmember Lou Ceci.
The City moved quickly to maintain the critical asset by engaging the community for the future and potential uses for the Foundry and formalize an agreement to assume operations from the Miners Foundry Board. “In early February, it became apparent that the Foundry was not going to be able to sustain itself under its current operations,” said Nevada City, City Manager Sean Grayson. “Our intent is to preserve the building and honor the mission of the Foundry, including the current music and venue bookings that are scheduled, and then to add public value through new programming and activities.”
The renewed Foundry will maintain its mission and trusted position as a premier cultural venue, while developing new ways to serve the City and Nevada County residents, businesses and visitors.
“In my opinion, this is city government at its best,” said Supervisor’s Vice Chair Lisa Swarthout.
The City Council will vote to approve the transfer of the County’s interest in the trust at its March 26 meeting. The City is expected to assume operations of the Foundry by April 1.