Jewel Theater Foundation Now Inc: Company Profile

Background

The Jewel Theater Foundation Now Inc is dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of the historic Jewel Theater in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Established in the 1970s by Arthur Hurst, a lifelong community resident and frequent visitor of the theater, the foundation aims to restore the theater and reestablish it as a vibrant community asset. The Jewel Theater, constructed in 1931 by African American businessman Percy H. James, was a significant cultural hub for the Black community during the era of segregation. It served as a venue for movies, concerts, and plays, providing a safe and welcoming space for Black residents. The theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

Key Strategic Focus

The foundation's strategic focus centers on the comprehensive restoration and revitalization of the Jewel Theater. This includes:

Structural Restoration: Repairing and stabilizing the building's foundation, roof, and exterior brickwork to ensure long-term structural integrity.

Community Engagement: Involving local residents and stakeholders in the restoration process to foster a sense of ownership and connection to the theater.

Cultural Programming: Planning for the theater's future use as a venue for film screenings, live performances, and community events that celebrate Black culture and history.

Sustainable Operations: Developing a sustainable operational model that includes diverse revenue streams to support ongoing maintenance and programming.

The foundation utilizes a collaborative approach, partnering with organizations like Open Design Collective and securing grants from institutions such as the Mellon Foundation to fund restoration efforts.

Financials and Funding

The Jewel Theater Foundation has secured significant funding to support its restoration initiatives:

Mellon Foundation Grant: In 2023, the foundation received a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, which was utilized to begin stabilization construction in November 2024.

Community Fundraising: The foundation has engaged in various fundraising activities, including hosting events like the Juneteenth Film Festival, to garner community support and additional funding.

These funding efforts are directed toward the theater's structural restoration, community engagement programs, and the development of a sustainable operational model.

Pipeline Development

The foundation's restoration project is structured in phases:

Phase 1: Completed in November 2024, this phase focused on exterior stabilization, including roof repairs and brickwork restoration.

Phase 2: Currently underway, this phase involves preparing the building for occupancy, including installing new windows, doors, and essential utilities.

Phase 3: Planned for the future, this phase will focus on interior renovations and the development of programming spaces for community events and performances.

The foundation aims to complete the restoration in stages, with each phase building upon the previous to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable revitalization.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The foundation employs several innovative approaches in its restoration efforts:

Community-Centric Design: Utilizing participatory design processes to incorporate community input into the restoration plans, ensuring the theater meets the needs and desires of local residents.

Adaptive Reuse Strategies: Implementing design solutions that preserve the theater's historical elements while integrating modern amenities to make the space functional for contemporary use.

Sustainable Practices: Incorporating environmentally sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems into the restoration to minimize the theater's ecological footprint.

These strategies reflect the foundation's commitment to innovation in preserving cultural heritage and creating a space that serves the community's evolving needs.

Leadership Team

The Jewel Theater Foundation is guided by a dedicated leadership team:

Arthur Hurst: Owner of the Jewel Theater and Vice President of the foundation. Hurst has been instrumental in the theater's preservation efforts, leveraging his deep connection to the community and the theater's history.

Sherri Williams: President of the foundation's board. Williams has played a key role in organizing fundraising events and engaging community stakeholders in the restoration process.

Vanessa Morrison: CEO and co-founder of Open Design Collective, a partner organization that has collaborated with the foundation on the restoration project. Morrison has been pivotal in securing grants and facilitating community engagement initiatives.

Competitor Profile

In the realm of historic theater preservation and revitalization, the Jewel Theater Foundation operates in a niche sector with few direct competitors. However, there are organizations with similar missions:

Joyce Theater Foundation: Based in New York City, this foundation focuses on the preservation and operation of the Joyce Theater, a renowned dance performance venue.

Gem Theater Cultural & Performance Arts Center: Located in Kansas City, Missouri, this center operates a historic theater that hosts various cultural and performance arts events.

While these organizations share a commitment to preserving cultural venues, the Jewel Theater Foundation's focus on revitalizing a historically Black theater in Oklahoma City provides a unique cultural and historical context.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The foundation has established several key partnerships to support its mission:

Open Design Collective: A nonprofit planning, architectural, and design firm that has collaborated with the foundation on community engagement and restoration efforts.

Mellon Foundation: Provided a $1 million grant to fund the initial phase of the theater's restoration.

Local Community Leaders and Organizations: Engaged in the restoration process to ensure the theater meets the needs of the community and serves as a cultural hub.

These collaborations enhance the foundation's capacity to execute its restoration plans and ensure the theater's future success.

Operational Insights

The Jewel Theater Foundation's strategic considerations include:

Community Engagement: Ensuring that the theater's restoration aligns with the desires and needs of the local community to foster a sense of ownership and support.

Sustainable Operations: Developing a business model that includes diverse revenue streams, such as event hosting, concessions, and potential grants, to support ongoing maintenance and programming.

Cultural Significance: Preserving the theater's historical elements while integrating modern amenities to create a space that honors its past and serves contemporary audiences.

These considerations are crucial for the foundation's efforts to revitalize the Jewel Theater as a sustainable and vibrant community asset.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The foundation's strategic roadmap includes:

Completion of Restoration Phases: Finalizing the interior renovations and establishing programming spaces to host events and performances.

Community Programming: Developing a diverse range of events, including film screenings, live performances, and educational programs, to engage the community and attract visitors.

Sustainable Funding: Securing additional funding through grants, donations, and revenue-generating activities to support the theater's operations and maintenance.

These initiatives aim to position the Jewel Theater as a cornerstone of cultural and community life in Oklahoma City.