The Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) announced its four 2016 Preservation Grant award recipients, which have received over $131,000 in support in the revitalizing of Georgia’s historic theatres. FTI’s chosen recipients were selected from a diverse field of outstanding applications from across the state for their exceptional potential to renew, reinvigorate and restore artistic vitality in their respective communities. In its eighth year, FTI has supported 15 projects totaling more than $360,000 in grants.
“Years ago, the Fox Theatre was brought back to life by the community, and in return, the Fox Theatre Institute helps to support other historictheatres in need. We believe cultural institutions, such as the Fox Theatre, have become essential hubs of artistic expression that patrons look to for experiences, memories, and family traditions. The Fox Theatre Institute honors regional gems that have deep-seated roots, and we are proud to be able to partner with these beloved landmarks that foster creativity and community wellbeing,” explains Fox Theatre’s General Manager Adina Erwin.
FTI’s Preservation Grant Program is designed to encourage the preservation of historic theatres by providing grant funds for the maintenance and physical improvement of theatres throughout the region. Grants are awarded to projects that will provide significant economic and cultural impact to the communities they serve. Based on a ‘pay it forward’ philosophy, grant award winners also receive operations expertise and guidance through seminars and strategic planning, fostering professional development. FTI also manages statewide booking consortium, which encourages collaboration among arts presenters in Georgia and the region.
The 2016 Preservation Grant Program Recipients are:
Schaefer Center (Toccoa) – Following the strategic plan that FTI funded three years ago and in conjunction with the Toccoa Downtown Development Authority, the recreation of the original art deco marquee will drive awareness of the theatre and its connection to downtown.
The Miller Theatre (Augusta) – The future home of Symphony Orchestra Augusta, the Miller Theatre, with a swell of community support, is nearing its goal of a $20 million renovation. From concert hall to a cultural community center, the theatre hopes to expand their capabilities to include concerts of all genres, opera, ballet, theater, dance, comedy, lectures and film.
Madison-Morgan Cultural Center (Madison) – Uniquely located in rural Georgia, the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center offers professional theatre, dance and music performances, as well as traveling visual art exhibits. With the assistance of FTI, the renovation will include the energy efficient restoration of the 100+ historic windows.
The Historic Douglass Theatre (Macon) – The Douglass Theatre, which is quickly approaching its 100th anniversary, is known for its film presentations and live performances. With the assistance of FTI, grant funding will improve the appearance and functionality of the facility’s marquee so that the community can continue to look to the Douglass Theatre as a beacon of arts and entertainment in the heart of downtown Macon.
For more information, please visit www.foxtheatreinstitute.org.
###
About FTI:
The Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) is a dynamic outreach program offering historic preservation expertise, consultation and education to performing arts venues in Georgia and the region. Created by Atlanta’s “Fabulous Fox” Theatre, an iconic attraction widely applauded for being a catalyst for positive change in the community, FTI pays it forward, helping other cultural institutions renew, reinvigorate and restore artistic vitality in their backyards and beyond. Keeping environmental and economic impact top of mind, FTI offers the financial assistance, restoration support and operations mentoring needed to leverage scarce resources and stimulate local economies. Not only that, but it keeps the artistic pulse of beloved communities beating for decades to come. FTI was recently featured on NPR’s Marketplace for its substantial impact on historical theatre restoration and community building throughout Georgia and the Southeast. For more information, visit www.foxtheatreinstitute.org.
About the Fox Theatre:
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premiere venues for live entertainment and declared a Top Stop of the Decade by Venues Today Magazine and the #1 non– residency venue worldwide for the decade by Billboard Magazine. In April 2013, Rolling Stone Magazine announced that the Fox Theatre was one of “The Best Big Rooms in America” as part of their “Venues That Rock” series. In addition, The Fox Theatre was nominated for Theatre of the Year by Billboard and Pollstar Magazines, and awarded the Outstanding Historic Theatre of the Year award in 2011 by the League of Historic American Theatres. For the past decade, The Fox Theatre has been consistently ranked in the top three non– residency theatres in North America for gross ticket sales by industry trade magazines, Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today. The Fox Theatre has the #1 social media presence for any theatre or performing arts center in North America, for any venue between 2,000 and 5,000 seats, and for any Georgia venue according to the Social Media Power 100 compiled by Venues Today Magazine. The Fox’s 4,678 seat theatre hosts 250 performances a year. An impressive range of events from rock concerts to Broadway, ballets, comedy and movies continue to attract more than 500,000 visitors per year. In addition, The Fox is host to wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings and association functions in its fabulous ballrooms, lounge and outdoor terrace. As a 501(c)(3) non– profit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theater and is celebrating its 86th year. The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges our partners for their generous support: Delta, Coca– Cola, Lexus, Georgia Natural Gas, Regions, Atlanta Beverage– Budweiser, Grady Health Systems, and The Georgian Terrace Hotel. Tickets for all events are available at The Fox Theatre Ticket Office, online at www.FoxTheatre.org, and at all Metro Atlanta Whole Foods Markets, or toll free at 855– 285– 8499. For group sales information contact The Fox Theatre at (404) 881– 2000, or visit The Fox Theatre website atwww.foxtheatre.org.
