Fox Theatre Institute Reveals 2014 Grant Recipients

Today, the Fox Theatre Institute (FTI), an Atlanta-based outreach program created by The Fox Theatre, announced its 2013-2014 restoration projects. The Institute will provide grants to two theatres in Georgia, including Atlanta's own Plaza Theatre, in an effort to help preserve historic buildings, revitalize arts programs, and strengthen local economies. FTI will kick off this year's restoration projects with an announcement event to present the recipients with their grant checks. The event will be held at the Plaza Theatre on September 23, 2013 from 10 - 11:15AM.

"We are very excited to work with these deserving recipients throughout Georgia and right here in Atlanta," said Molly Fortune, Director of Restoration at the Fox Theatre. "Our goal is to restore vitality to their historic theatres as well as the communities that they serve."

The two new restoration projects include:

The Plaza Theatre, Atlanta, GA - Just in time for the Theatre's 75th Anniversary, the FTI grant funding will help to restore the theatre's marquee. The restoration will involve changing from fluorescent to LED lighting and rehabilitating areas affected by rust. This will not only improve the theatre's prominent appearance on Ponce De Leon Ave. in the heart of Atlanta, but it will lessen the theatre's environmental impact by reducing electricity usage and cost.

The President Theatre, Manchester, GA - FTI grant funding will allow for complete reconstruction of the historic theatre's façade from the marquee to the top of the tower and spire. The original marquee has been in disrepair for more than thirty years. A newsletter from the 1940's indicates that the first row of seats in this historic theatre were placed farther back, leaving room for patients with polio recovering in nearby Warm Springs who were in wheelchairs. The emphasis of the restoration will focus on rehabilitating these structures to the original jewel art deco quality of 1935.

The Georgia Historic Preservation Handbook, which launched last year, will remain a key component to restoration projects moving forward. The Handbook serves as a comprehensive resource promoting the understanding and practice of historic preservation in Georgia.

In addition to grant funding, the FTI provides each recipient with guidance, advice and consultation so that they too can create thriving arts programs in their own communities.

"We believe an essential step to ensuring the longevity of these theatres is to build a multi-purpose venue, so to create new channels for revenue," says Adina Erwin, General Manager of the Fox Theatre. "In turn, this helps to stimulate economic growth and build stronger communities overall."

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