Borderlands Theater Awarded $600,000 General Operating Support Grant By Mellon Foundation
Initiatives supported by the grant include donor development, a return to full-season programming, and more.
By: Chloe Rabinowitz Feb. 12, 2025
Borderlands Theater has received a transformative three-year, $600,000 general operating support grant from the Mellon Foundation. This funding will strengthen the theater's sustainability and deepen its role as a cultural cornerstone in the borderlands' region.
The grant builds on the momentum of previous support from the National Latino Theater Initiative (NLTI) and the Center for Cultural Power. With these past investments and now the Mellon Foundation's transformative funding, Borderlands Theater has expanded from a two-person staff to a dedicated team of six. This expansion has enhanced the organization's ability to innovate and deliver programs that reflect and uplift diverse voices in the community.
"The Mellon Foundation's commitment to supporting the arts and advancing equity aligns deeply with our mission," said Marc David Pinate, Artistic Director of Borderlands Theater. "This grant empowers us to strengthen our foundation, create meaningful opportunities, and envision a permanent home for our community."
Key initiatives supported by the grant include:
- Donor Development: For the first time, a dedicated staff member will build and sustain donor relationships, ensuring financial stability beyond the grant period.
- Youth and Education Expansion: For the first time since leadership transitioned in 2014, Borderlands Theater has hired an Education Coordinator. This role will oversee the development of in-school programs and the deepening of youth theater workshops, providing young people with enriching opportunities to explore storytelling and the performing arts.
- A Permanent Home for the Community: This funding supports Borderlands in its exploration for a permanent building. The goal is to have a dedicated space to invite and welcome the community, creating a lasting home for theater and cultural engagement.
- A Return to Full Season Programming: Borderlands is excited to launch a season featuring three productions, complemented by beloved community offerings like the Moon Readings and innovative cross-sector partnerships. This marks a significant milestone since the company's last full season in 2017.
As Borderlands Theater enters this new chapter, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to create theater and cultural programs that reflect the voices and stories of the borderlands' region. The Mellon Foundation's generous gift underscores the importance of investing in organizations that bridge cultural divides and foster understanding through the arts. We deeply appreciate the Mellon Foundation's commitment to funding cultural arts and supporting artists in the Southwest, ensuring the authentic stories of these communities are uplifted and shared.
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