Organizers hope a new program will reimagine the historic Crump Theatre in Columbus.
The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County is launching “ Project Encore” to revamp the iconic downtown theater and develop more local programming.
Mayor Mary Ferdon said the building has events in the works but needs a long-term plan.
“You can spend tens of millions of dollars on an old theater, but if it can't be programmed, well, somebody's got to sustain it, so Encore is moving along,” Ferdon said.
She said fundraising efforts will begin this summer.
The 135-year-old venue is believed to be the oldest operating theater in the state.
Read more: Crump Theatre inviting donors to sponsor a seat
Consultants advised the city to focus on existing underutilized venues, such as the Crump, rather than investing in a new performing arts center.
Ferdon said the project will play a key role in the city’s downtown revitalization and strategic plan.
