Why is KUT helping to kill the Cactus Cafe?
Posted by Save the Cactus Cafe on Mon, 04/12/2010 - 7:35pm
Late last week KUT and the University Unions released a joint plan that will essentially make the Cactus Cafe a division of KUT for at least part of the year. While there is much to be said for a working relationship between KUT and the Cactus Cafe, this is definitely not the model to achieve such a collaboration.
The plan presented would divide programming duties at the Cactus Cafe between KUT and a student committee, with KUT presenting performances “consistent with the tradition of the Cactus Cafe” during periods “outside the main academic calendar,” which raises the question, “What programming will be taking place within the main academic calendar?”
This proposal is nothing more than a variation of the University’s plan to franchise the cafe and bar operations of the Cactus Cafe to an outside vendor and put programming into the hands of other UT departments. It’s worse, however, because now it wants to actually split programming between two departments. Who will be charged, on a daily and nightly basis, to make sure the fundamental character of the Cactus Cafe is being preserved? Texas Union management?
This plan creates more issues than it solves and poses more questions than it answers:
- After the community uproar over recent changes at KUT, can it be trusted with preserving the Cactus Cafe?
- Will the Cactus Cafe’s future depend on KUT’s biannual fund raising drives?
- This plan means further segregation of traditional Cactus Cafe programming from students who want to enjoy it, which student organizations have roundly opposed.
- Daily cafe and bar operations will be jeopardized.
- Student employment opportunities will disappear at the Cactus.
- Traditional Cactus Cafe programming will be greatly reduced.
KUT and the Cactus Cafe would both benefit from a re-initiation of the “Live from the Cactus Cafe” broadcasts, but this plan, while well-intentioned, will be the death knell for the legendary club. Please voice your opposition to this now on the Texas Union blog: http://puny.it/zzx3wcZQ
In music,
The Save the Cactus Cafe Team
[Please post your comment on the Texas Union blog first, then post again here. Thanks. —Ed.]
Comments
The problem with this plan, in fact the problem with EVERY plan so far, is that it doesn’t make sense in the context of the University’s intent.
If you want to close the Cactus, which I think is a terrible idea, then make that argument. There, all done. However, once you open it up to “let’s keep it open but change things” you need to be able to make the “the current management isn’t working” argument. That’s simply not a possibility, with Griff and staff and the incredible history of the place.
Leave it alone; let the Cactus do what the Cactus does best. If necessary, let the Cactus come up with a plan to include more students, have interns, host alternative stuff, whatever; but have the staff that knows the business, the community, the artists, and the people, design and implement any changes.
Andrew Ratshin
Yellow Tail Records
(Uncle Bonsai/Electric Bonsai Band)
What am I missing here?
Thus far, UT has stated two issues they have with the Cactus Café - finances and lack of student involvement. Students, alumni, community and faculty quickly came together to help UT solve those problems. A non-profit was formed, over $23,000 raised, and a plan to meaningfully involve students in Café operations submitted.
Why has UT rejected “A better way forward” - a one year pilot plan of keeping the Café as it now exists, with student internships, better marketing and additional fund raising as needed? Surely it makes more sense to try this simpler approach before considering multiple complicated plans that threaten to change the character and soul of the Cafe?
Come on UT - be out front about this. What are the real issues here? We are eager to help solve whatever problems you have with the Cafe, but we need to now what they are. Otherwise, we just have to assume that somebody has arbitrarily and childishly decided they just don't like the Cafe and want it gone - so there!
It's time to 'fess up folks.
Morgan Meltz