Santa Fe Indian School open to funding to renovate famed venue

Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico will need $4.5 million to renovate the famed Paolo Soleri Amphitheater, the superintendent said.

Superintendent Everett Chavez has not committed to keeping the venue open. But in a press release, he said the school might be able to so with enough money.

"We've always been open to anyone offering 'real' solutions to our plight," Chavez said in a statement, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported. "Many people claim they want to keep this place, but so far no one has come forward with any money."

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) and Sen. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) have offered support to the school for the venue. They haven't specifically said whether that includes federal funding.

The school plans to demolish the building because it costs too to maintain and is only used sparingly. Former students and Santa Fe residents have mounted a Facebook campaign to save the amphitheater.

The 19 Pueblo tribes of New Mexico own and operate the school, which is located on trust land.

Get the Story:
School hints at hope for the Paolo (The Santa Fe New Mexican 7/20)

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