Fox Theatre Institute Announces Record-Breaking Year of Giving

As part of its ongoing commitment to Georgia's historic theaters, The Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) announces its largest ever preservation grant funding with up to $500,000 now available to qualifying venues for the 2017/2018 grant season.

Over the past nine years, FTI's Preservation Grant Program and Historic Preservation Services has supported 15 projects totaling more than $360,000 in maintenance and physical improvement efforts across Georgia. The grant expansion is part of the nonprofit's overall strategic plan to further increase its impact and outreach.

Grants will be awarded to projects designed to provide significant economic and cultural impact to the communities they serve. Grant award winners will also receive operations expertise and guidance through seminars, and strategic planning fostering professional development.

"The Fox Theatre understands the everyday struggles historic theaters face to stay current in today's world of unlimited options of entertainment," said Adina Erwin, Vice President and COO of the Fox Theatre. "Many years ago, Atlanta almost lost the Fox Theatre due to fiscal constraints. We survived because of the community's commitment to save the Fox. Today we are steadfast in our commitment to 'pay it forward' and ensure Georgians have continued access to the arts in these extraordinary structures before it is too late. The Fox Theatre Institute continues to be invested in Georgia's historic theaters and the surrounding neighborhoods with more commitment than ever before. We are thrilled to see how the expanded Preservation Grants program will bolster arts in Georgia; from an increase of access to historical institutions, a widening array of quality entertainment offerings, and renewed interest and vitality in the region's individual arts and culture communities."

Since the launch of FTI in 2008, the Fox Theatre has committed more than $1 million to the overall program, including the 'Fox in a Box' a free interactive curriculum-based resource for area elementary schools; Georgia Presenters, an innovative statewide talent booking consortium; and Preservation Grants to encourage preservation of historic theatres with outside funding not readily available elsewhere.

Historic theaters and structures in the state of Georgia are eligible to apply for the Fox Theatre Institute's 2017/2018 Preservation Grants Program in the following four categories:

Urgent/Emergency Needs - In response to requests for emergency support, this newly formed grant supports historic theaters and structures when immediate and unanticipated work is required to save the building. Recipients will be awarded up to $50,000 and, if eligible, can be awarded on a rolling, as needed basis.

Historic Structures Studies or Planning - In many cases, the first step towards care of a historic venue is understanding the challenges. On an annual basis, this specialized grant allowing up to $75,000 in financial assistance, will be awarded to support the completion of a historic structure study or planning. Additionally, FTI is available to provide guidance on the study, planning the implementation process and how to secure expertise. This grant requires a cash match. Accepting applications July - Sept. 2017.

Periodic Technical Assistance and Services - This grant provides direct access to experts and resources to meet a range of specific technical, organizational, or operational needs for a grant maximum of $25,000 in assistance. Accepting applications July - Sept. 2017.

Preservation Grant - Also known as the 'brick and mortar' grant, this annual basis grant is awarded to assist theaters in completing projects including acquiring historic property, purchase and installation of equipment, and renovation/construction of property. Applicants may apply for grants starting at $50,000 to upwards of $250,000. Accepting applications April - July 2017.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit FoxTheatreInstitute.org.

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.

The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta's premier 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. 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 4,665 seat theatre hosts 250 performances with more than 500,000 visitors per year. An impressive range of events from rock concerts to Broadway, ballets, comedy and movies, the Fox's private events host 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 celebrating its 88th year. The partners of the Fox Theatre are Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, Lexus, Georgian Terrace Hotel/Livingston Restaurant+Bar, Georgia Natural Gas, Regions, Atlanta Beverage, Grady Health System, and Whole Foods Market.

For group sales information, please contact the Fox Theatre at (404) 881-2000 or visit www.foxtheatre.org. To purchase tickets, visit the Fox Theatre Ticket Office, online at www.FoxTheatre.org, and at all Atlanta Ticket Alternative locations including Whole Foods Markets, or toll free at 855-285-8499. Please stay connected with the Fox Theatre on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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