The Carolina Theatre of Durham Secures $335,000 in Multi-Year Grant & Corporate Funding

Durham, NC – February 13, 2025 – The Carolina Theatre of Durham is proud to announce that it has been awarded multi-year support totaling more than $335,000 from a coalition of community-focused organizations. This vital funding comes from the Fox Family Foundation, North Carolina Arts Council, F.M. Kirby Foundation, Durham Arts Council, City of Durham, Adam Dickinson Realty Group, and The Forest at Duke. These generous contributions will ensure the theater’s sustained impact in the community and help power its exciting lineup of programs as it prepares for its Centennial celebration in 2026.  

“This support not only affirms our commitment to making the arts accessible to all but also propels our long-term planning as we approach our 100th anniversary,” said Randy McKay, President & CEO of the Carolina Theatre of Durham. “We are deeply grateful to our funders for believing in our mission and investing in the transformative power of community arts.” 

The general operating support provided by these esteemed organizations will directly benefit a range of programs, including: 

• Arts Discovery Educational Series: This program is curated to complement curriculum goals to meet the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Comprehensive Arts Education Standards to enhance students’ exposure to the arts. 

• Family Saturday Series: A family-based program curated for all ages one Saturday a month. Our goal is to provide high-quality, affordable arts experiences to introduce young audiences to the magic of live performances. 

• The Wavemakers Series: Curated by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer, spotlighting diverse and underrepresented voices with fresh perspectives. 

• Sensory Friendly Film Series: An inclusive movie-going environment that meets the needs of individuals on the Autism spectrum and others in need of sensory accommodations. 

• Carolina Theatre Presented Shows: High-quality, thought-provoking performances that continue to captivate audiences.

By strengthening the theater’s operating budget, the Carolina Theatre of Durham can continue to offer and expand these dynamic programs. 

“This investment not only sustains our current efforts but also empowers us to innovate and expand our offerings, ensuring that the arts are a vibrant part of our community’s fabric for decades to come,” Randy added. 

For more information about the Carolina Theatre of Durham’s programs, upcoming events, and more, please visit carolinatheatre.org. 

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham: 

Carolina Theatre of Durham is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. The Carolina Theatre of Durham is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. Visit carolinatheatre.org for more information. 

Contact:
Hanna Mercer
Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham
(919) 560-3040 | hanna@carolinatheatre.org