Since 2001, David Fay has led the Bushnell Performing Arts Center, which is arguably one of Connecticut’s top arts-and-culture destinations, drawing hundreds of thousands of theatergoers annually to Hartford’s Capitol Avenue.
Shows like a production of Broadway smash hit “Hamilton” have sold out night after night, bringing throngs of people to downtown Hartford, many of whom also patronize local bars and restaurants before and after shows. Fay’s theater, and its success, serves as an economic engine for the city and region.
Fay has been working to pay down a $20-million debt he inherited when he became CEO and told HBJ last year that it could be extinguished within the next few years, creating much-desired financial flexibility. However, that was before the coronavirus shut down the arts industry, leaving the Bushnell and other performance venues fighting for their survival. Fay announced in early April the Bushnell would be furloughing 32 employees because COVID-19 “severely affected” its operations.