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Officials from the city of Hartwell and the Hart County Community Theatre traveled to Atlanta to accept a community grant from the fabulous Fox Theatre.
The Hart County Community Theatre (HCCT) was awarded a multiyear grant of $500,000 from Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre during a ceremony in Georgia’s capitol city March 14.
The grant signifies a landmark moment for the theater and the broader arts community in Georgia. It underlines a major advancement in HCCT’s journey towards revitalization and community engagement, building upon its legacy of cultural enrichment within the Hartwell area.
The grant was made possible through the Fox Theatre’s community partnership program known as Fox Gives.
As the philanthropic arm dedicated to strengthening communities through theatre, the Fox Gives program furthers the iconic institution’s preservation efforts and support for theaters throughout the Southeast and highlights the same power of community support that once saved the Fox Theatre.
By more than doubling its financial investment, Fox Gives aims to restore historic theatres and offer new vocational opportunities for young individuals passionate about the arts.
Allan Vella, President and CEO of the Fox Theatre says Fox Gives is a significant milestone in the theatre’s longstanding desire to make an impact.
“From our humble beginnings as a struggling non-profit theater, we’ve channeled our preservation mission into a beacon of hope for other historic venues throughout Georgia and nationally,” Vella said. “Now, through Fox Gives, we’ve deepened our impact and introduced new programming to empower the next generation of students to discover a career in entertainment.”
HCCT President Lani Sessoms says receiving this inaugural grant from Fox Gives is a monumental honor that speaks volumes of the dedication of the theatre’s volunteers and the unwavering support from the Hart County community.
“This grant not only aids in the physical restoration of our beloved venue but also marks a pivotal step in our continued mission to enrich the cultural tapestry of the Hartwell region,”Sessoms said.
Reflecting on the broader impact of Fox Gives, previously known as the Fox Theatre Institute, Leigh Burns, Director of Community Partnerships for the Fox Theatre, notes, “Since its inception, Fox Gives has dedicated over $3.2 million to revitalizing 96 historic theater projects. Our commitment extends beyond financial support, encompassing educational initiatives and professional development to fortify the arts sector. Hart County Community Theatre’s selection as the first Multiyear Grant recipient exemplifies our mission to preserve and share, ensuring these cultural beacons continue to thrive.”
Hartwell mayor Brandon Johnson led a contingent of city officials on a trip to Atlanta to help celebrate this momentous achievement.
“This generous grant from the Fox Gives Foundation is another significant win for our community,” Johnson said. “Hartwell has become a statewide example of what small communities can do when collaborating and working toward a common goal. Congratulations to the HCCT, and everyone who will be positively impacted.”
The theater looks forward to leveraging the grant to enhance its restoration endeavors and to expand its cultural and educational offerings, contributing to a dynamic future for the Hartwell community and beyond.
In addition to financial support, Hart County Community Theatre will engage in the All-Access Pass Program, an initiative aimed at enlightening high school students about the myriad of career opportunities in the entertainment sector, further aligning with Fox Gives’ educational outreach efforts. Hartwell’s Downtown Development Authority Director was speechless when he heard about the grant from Fox Gives.
“Downtown Hartwell is thrilled about the generous contribution from Fox Gives to the Hart County Community Theatre and the Hart County School System,” Ford said. “The all access pass and the multiyear grant of $500,000 will absolutely transform the HCCT and the entire downtown district. Thanks to everyone at Fox Gives and the Fox Theatre.”
The HCCT was the first grantee awarded under the new multiyear grant program from the Fox Theatre. The grant program helps to further foster economic and community development through arts and culture.
This innovative funding approach supports a single organization over a two-to-four-year period. With a history of contributing $3.2 million to historic theaters across the Southeast through its single-year grant program, this new initiative represents a deepening of the Fox’s commitment, pledging up to $500,000 per recipient to make a more lasting impact.
For more information on Hart County Community Theatre’s upcoming projects and programs made possible by this grant, please visit https://www.hhcct.org/.