A truce at the Ordway?

Are the conflicts between the Ordway Center and its arts tenants nearing an end? That is the hope of the heads of the Ordway and the organizations that present concerts, operas and recitals at the St Paul venue.

At a Wednesday news conference, officials trumpeted an agreement creating a new, formal structure -- the Arts Partnership -- to smooth out disagreements over scheduling, rent and maintenance at the Ordway.

The issues have proved contentious since the multi-use performing-arts center opened 22 years ago.

"'Kumbaya' is my favorite tune these days, but it's a good deal for more reasons than peace in our time," said Patricia Mitchell, the new Ordway president and CEO. "It establishes a mechanism for fundraising to help subsidize rents. It establishes a schedule of rates. And it creates a platform for the Ordway going forward."

With its 1,900-seat main stage and the 306-seat McKnight Theatre, the Ordway was designed as a multipurpose space for use by its tenants -- the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Schubert Club and Minnesota Orchestra. (The Minnesota Orchestra now performs only rarely at the Ordway.)

But the Ordway's problems began even before it opened on Jan. 1, 1985. Budgeted at $27 million, it cost $46 million to complete.

"That overage meant that there was nothing left for an endowment for the upkeep of the venue," said Minnesota Opera head Kevin Smith. To cover the shortfall, Ordway officials began presenting touring Broadway shows, an activity that has grown over the years and whose schedule demands are at odds with those of the tenants, also known as resident arts organizations, or RAOs.

"For Broadway shows, you need an open, flexible calendar so that you can grab opportunities," Smith said. "But for the Minnesota Opera, as it is for some of the other groups, we have our stuff planned out many years. We know what we're doing in 2013."

Those conflicting dynamics often resulted in bruised feelings when the Ordway, as landlord, took advantage of Broadway touring opportunities. Heads of RAOs can recall being told that they had to move a show, or limit a run, more than a decade ago. "There are long memories at work here," Smith said.

Another contentious issue has been rent, which has risen steeply. That issue is now resolved, with the presenters being charged between $5,000 and $7,000 a day for use of the space, Smith said. The conflicts over the years led some of the arts organizations to explore alternative venues and plans, including building their own performance spaces. But funders and civic leaders pressed them to find a solution.

The Arts Partnership has its own nonprofit status. It will be composed of nine leaders -- two each from the RAOs and three from the Ordway. Its rotating leadership will be chosen alphabetically by organization name.

Decisions will be made by a super-majority, Smith said. "This is not an end in itself," said the Ordway's Mitchell. "It is a tool by which we all hope to accomplish our common goals."

Rohan Preston • 612-673-4390

Rohan Preston • rpreston@startribune.com