The Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center has received a $50,000 grant from the Chester County Community Foundation and Chester County Commissioners to support its ongoing “Raise Up! the Curtain” fundraising initiative.
As part of the county’s CARES Act funding, the grant will be used to reopen the theater (after its shutdown due to COVID-19), as well as support its livestream show series, which will kick into high gear in 2021.
According to April Evans, executive director for Uptown!, the grant will be used to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for its livestream shows, increase COVID-19-approved cleaning and sanitizing measures as outlined by the CDC, install social-distance infrastructures like plexiglass dividers at concession stands, and re-design all marketing materials.
“We are extremely grateful for the support the Chester County Community Foundation and County Commissioners have given the nonprofits,” said Evans. “Uptown! continues to stay shuttered, and with increased restrictions, our ability to reopen continues to get pushed further and further away. Financial relief is needed now more than ever to sustain us through these uncertain times.”
The Foundation recognizes the importance of the nonprofit sector to the high quality of life throughout Chester County. It supported Uptown! earlier this year with a $5,000 COVID-19 Rapid Response grant in September.
“We truly appreciate the Chester County Community Foundation’s recognition and continued support of our mission and goals,” said Debra Danese, house manager for Uptown! “This award will help further our efforts to continue offering quality content during the extended closures of live arts venues.”
Click here to donate to the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center.
