Support the Carolina Theatre’s End of Year Campaign!

As 2020 draws to its close, Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc., the nonprofit that operates the city-owned venue, has launched its annual campaign for support. Below is a letter from the board chair requesting contributions prior to January 1.

Dear Supporter,

The Carolina Theatre is one of the cultural jewels of North Carolina. Since the start of the pandemic, your donations, messages of support, and offers to help have kept us motivated and humbled.

In November, the Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to close the Theatre due to the ongoing pandemic effective January 1, 2021, until such time as it is safe to reopen.

The staff took innovative leaps to transition the theatre’s education programs to a virtual format, produced outdoor movies, streamed Indy films, produced OutSouth: Queer Film Festival virtually, and offered to-go popcorn. Unfortunately, it was not enough to cover the Theatre’s expenses and it is impossible for the Theatre to remain open at this time. Although this has been a terrible disappointment, the Board is determined to make the best of this bad situation by using this time to prepare for the day when the Theatre reopens.

To help the Carolina Theatre through this difficult time, the Board of Trustees have come together to establish an end-of-year match. New or additional gifts made by December 31, 2020 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $30,000.

Relaunching the arts in Durham requires your support. Will you help us protect the arts in Durham?

We know the Carolina Theatre means so much to you – to our community – and to the arts in Durham. We also know it is our duty to continue to preserve the legacy of our venerable downtown venue by presenting thought-provoking performing arts, film, educational and family programming – and we shall, as soon as we are safely able to do so.

Please consider making a donation between now and December 31. You can make a one-time donation or become a Sustaining donor and have your contribution split into 12 equal payments. Either way, you are showing your support for the Carolina Theatre, the arts, and Durham’s vibrant downtown!

We look forward to seeing you again in person when the crisis passes, and the Theatre reopens.

Sincerely,

Bill Brian

Board Chair

Carolina Theatre of Durham, Inc.