Black theatre in America is alive, it is vibrant, it is vital…it just isn’t funded.
August Wilson
Announcing...
The Center for the Preservation of Black Theatre (CPAAT)
Friends of Atlanta Black Theater Festival, a 501(c)3 non-profit is seeking support for phase 1 of this capital project. We are reaching out to individual supporters to further our mission "to provide opportunities for theatre and performing artists to develop, present, and preserve, in an authentic voice, multi-disciplinary art for and about the pan-African experience."
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Currently, there are only seven brick-and-mortar black-owned and operated theatre facilities in the US. Atlanta is the mecca of Black entertainment with a thriving artistic community springboarded from a history that reflects our stories from across the diaspora to the Civil War to Civil Rights. Our theatre community has struggled but maintained its resiliency in spite of the severe absence of funding from community art foundations and councils.
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This one-of-its-kind venue in Atlanta will be a home for the development and preservation of Black theatre. A sacred space where artists can grow and feel supported when creating their authentic voices.
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We have plans for a 176-seat theatre space, a spoken word cafe, black box rehearsal, meeting and performance space, two administrative offices, two dressing rooms, a dual-purpose reception/lobby, and 10 artists' residential lofts.
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Based on current market rates, the total project cost is estimated at $1.7 million for the acquisition and buildout of a warehouse or industrial space. That includes a cash reserve of $100K. Our plan for phase one is to raise $400K, which will provide an attractive 30% LTC equity position for a mortgage loan. Phase two of the plan would be to raise the capital needed for the full payoff of the mortgage for 100% ownership over a ten-year period. To cover the monthly mortgage payment and operating expenses, we plan to sublet the cafe and residential lofts with long-term leases and rent the performance spaces to theatre troupes.
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Here's your chance to be a part of this vision. You can invest by donating in your name or the memory of a loved one to be engraved based on the below-listed levels of giving.
Be a part of history!
There are only seven brick and morter black-owned and led theatre houses in the US. Atlanta, the Mecca of Black entertainment has NONE! We, as artists, constantly scrap and beg for spaces to perform. Leading to a relentless struggle to survive as a theatre company. As a result, so many come and go.
Please contribute. We need a place to preserve and tell our stories. Every bit helps. Thank you!
OUR COVID POLICY
COVID SAFETY: UPDATED 5/1/22
We've attended several trainings and consulted the experts before drafting our re-opening strategy. We will post updates here as the situation changes. In the meantime, please stay safe and if you're feeling sick or uncomforable, please stay home. We need you healthy and creative!
YOUR HEALTH MATTERS MORE THAN ANYTHING...
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival (staff, board, organizers, sponsors, and volunteers) will follow all CDC guidelines, our advisors and the guidance of the venue operators.
Additionally, due to our commitment to the safety and health of our community, the following precautions will be taken:
- Proof of vaccination is no longer required.
- Surgical, N95, KF95, or KN95 face masks will be required for all guests covering nose and mouth during indoor events.
- Hand sanitizing will be required upon arrival.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be provided.
- Passes will be available online only to minimize contact.
We love our pARTners, donors and grantors!
