Overture Center for the Arts' trust fund is gone, but all the great shows and events that happen inside won't miss a beat.

We want the community to know that Overture isn't going anywhere, and we're doing everything in our power to ensure our future finances don't become the responsibility of Madison taxpayers.

The banks' recent disappointing decision to dissolve Overture's trust fund was no surprise. We've recognized for some time that the trust fund might not survive the economic downturn. The trust served us well for three years, contributing millions toward the debt and reserves. Its liquidation pays off much of the current debt. For the remaining debt, contingencies are already in place to continue payments through 2011, giving us time to prepare.

We've taken a number of steps to grow revenue and ensure Overture remains fiscally healthy for the long term. Overture's staff and board have been working hard in the last year developing our fundraising capabilities, exploring other governance and operating models and working with a group of independent community leaders who volunteered to help us find long-term solutions to Overture's financial health.

I'm struck by the deep community support that exists for Overture. From our growing base of individual donors to our 600 volunteers to the nearly half a million people who we welcome through our doors each year, we're buoyed by the support the people of Dane County provide Overture, especially during this challenging time.

We also have strong ties with and support from local arts groups and artists. We are home to 11 local arts resident companies, both large and small. We employ more than 1,300 local artists throughout the year in our own programs. People may notice the big stars, but local performers far outnumber the national and international.

We're very proud of that fact.

We've been working to ensure that Jerry Frautschi's vision succeeds and thrives. His generosity was as much a challenge as a gift. Overture was built to serve generations to come, and the community needs to grow into Overture. I can tell you that community support for Overture is increasing every day and it will continue to do so.

But we are not there yet.

Many of you have asked what you can do to help. I'd like to invite you to come in and enjoy our center, whether it's to see a world-class performance or simply sit. Whether it's a busy evening or a Saturday morning "Kids in the Rotunda" show, look around at this vibrant heart of the city. People are everywhere in galleries, shops and restaurants. Thousands are coming in and out of the center. There's a palpable energy here that helps define Madison.

Overture is much more than a building: Overture educates, entertains, excites and defines our humanity and culture. It's a place that is open to everyone in the community. As a Madisonian, that gives me a real sense of pride, and I hope it does for you, too. Our goal is for Overture to be a place that belongs to each of you, and for it to be a place where you feel you belong.

I invite you to share your thoughts with me at info@overturecenter.com. We know the support for Overture is there, and our success will be knit from the fabric of our community. We're working hard and, with your support, we look forward to growing and strengthening this tremendous community resource to be enjoyed for decades to come.

Carto is president and CEO of the Overture Center for the Arts.