Madame Walker Theatre Center Receives Half Million Dollars from Lilly Endowment

The Madame Walker Theatre Center is pleased to accept a grant in the amount of $500,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. In April 2012, the historic nonprofit announced its need for $1 million to keep up with its arts programming and general building maintenance. The Board of Directors estimated $1 million for a new HVAC system, sewage repairs, updated electrical wiring as well as new lighting and sound equipment for the 937-seat theatre.

Support from the Endowment is critical and will allow for the continuation of signature programs such as Jazz on the Avenue, the Martin Luther King, Jr. program, Freedom Walk, Art on the Avenue and Theatre on the Avenue. The Endowment is the backbone for many of Indianapolis’ cultural institutions and the Madame Walker Theatre Center is proud to be one of them.

Lilly Endowment is the biggest contributor to Kamp Kuumba, the Walker’s summer arts camp that serves youth between the ages of 6 and 15. Because of the Endowment, along with other community foundations, underserved children are able to experience dance classes, theatre, vocal lessons and visual art foundations from some of Indy’s best teachers. They’re also given private tours of some of the city’s treasures, like, the Eiteljorg Museum, the State Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Rhythm and Discovery Center, the Historical Society and a tour of the Arts Councils’ 46x46 mural project.

“The Madame Walker Theatre Center has enjoyed more than 29 years of foundation support/relationship from Lilly Endowment. The Board of Directors appreciates Lilly Endowment’s faith in the Mission of Madame Walker Theatre Center even during times of financial struggle” explains Joni Collins, Madame Walker Theatre Center board chairman.

For more information on the Madame Walker Theatre Center, visit www.walkertheatre.com.

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