The Fox Theatre Institute (FTI) recently awarded the City of Thomasville a Historic Structure Study and Planning Grant in the amount of $22,500 to support an architectural study of the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium. FTI, a division of Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, Inc., is a dynamic outreach program offering historic preservation expertise, consultation, and education to performing arts venues in Georgia and the region.
“We are honored to be one of nine grant recipients of the 2021-22 Fox Theatre Grants,” said Bonnie Hayes, Tourism & Event Venues Manager. “As part of an enduring commitment to preserving and protecting historic theaters, the Fox Theatre’s 2021-2022 FTI grant program seeks to provide cultural impact on communities and support ongoing economic revitalization during Covid-19 pandemic recovery.”
According to Hayes, the grant provides the City with funding assistance towards a Historic Preservation Plan (HPP) for the Municipal Auditorium. “The completion of an HPP will guide us through the best practices for maintaining the historical integrity of the Municipal Building,” said Hayes. “As a recipient of the grant, the City is also better positioned to apply for future FTI grants.”
Fox Theatre’s 2021-22 FTI grant program awarded nine recipients with Historic Preservation, Historic Structure Studies and Planning, and Urgent/Emergency Grants totaling $252,430. “These grants allow historic theaters, performing arts centers, or associated structures to receive needed financial assistance, restoration support, and operations mentoring,” said Leigh Burns, Director of Fox Theatre Institute. “Now in the fourteenth year of operation, the Fox Theatre has granted more than $2.2 million to fund preservation projects throughout the state.”
“The Municipal Auditorium has hosted some of the most exciting artists and entertainers in the Southeast and stands as an architectural gem in the heart of downtown Thomasville,” said Hayes. “As recipients of the grant, we are able to receive the necessary guidance and consultation for the rehabilitation work that will preserve the history of this Thomasville landmark.”
For more information about the Fox Theatre Grant or the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, please visit Thomasvillega.com or call the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-228-7977.