Georgia's Historic Theaters Get a Second Act with $1 Million Grant

ATLANTA, GA – May 06, 2026 – In a landmark move for historic preservation in Georgia, Fox Gives, the philanthropic arm of Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre, has announced a record-breaking $1 million in multiyear grants. The funds are designated for two of the state's cherished cultural venues: the DeSoto Theatre in Rome and the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium. Each institution will receive $500,000, providing a critical lifeline for significant restoration, safety, and accessibility improvements.

This announcement, made during National Historic Preservation Month, marks the first time the program has awarded multiyear grants to two recipients in a single year. Combined with an additional $500,000 in single-year grants, the funding brings Fox Gives’ total investment for the 2025–2026 cycle to an unprecedented $1.5 million. The move signals a deep commitment to safeguarding the cultural and economic vitality of communities across the state.

“These historic spaces matter to their communities. They bring people downtown, support local businesses and create shared experiences across generations,” said Allan Vella, president and CEO of the Fox Theatre. “We know firsthand the impact created when a community comes together to save a local landmark. This is our way of paying that forward.”

A Lifeline for Two Georgia Jewels

The two theaters, though separated by geography, share a common legacy as beloved community gathering places in need of significant investment to ensure their survival for future generations. The grants are targeted to address each venue's most pressing needs.

In Rome, the DeSoto Theatre stands as a monument to cinematic history. Opening in 1929, it was the first theater in the South built specifically for “talkies.” After closing as a movie palace in 1982, it was saved by the Rome Little Theatre troupe and has since operated as a vibrant community performance venue. The $500,000 grant will fund a comprehensive, phased renovation of its stage and backstage areas. The project includes long-awaited upgrades to dressing rooms, the integration of modern accessibility features to welcome all patrons, and crucial improvements to core infrastructure. These enhancements are designed not only to improve safety but also to expand the theater's capacity for educational programming, solidifying its role as the “Jewel of Broad Street.”

Meanwhile, in Southwest Georgia, the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, a civic and cultural hub since 1938, faces critical challenges stemming from decades of deferred maintenance. A recent facility study outlined the urgent need for foundational repairs, leading to the venue’s temporary closure for the 2025-2026 season to mitigate safety risks. The $500,000 from Fox Gives is a crucial injection of capital that will directly support the most essential life-safety upgrades. This includes the installation of a modern fire suppression system, extensive structural repairs, and systemic improvements that are the first step in a larger, multi-phase plan to transform the auditorium into a state-of-the-art performing arts center.

A New Model for Preservation Philanthropy

The record-setting grants represent a strategic evolution for the Fox Theatre's outreach efforts. The program, which began in 2008 as the Fox Theatre Institute (FTI), was rebranded and expanded into Fox Gives in 2024. This shift included the introduction of a new multiyear grant model, designed to provide more substantial and sustained support than single-year funding cycles allow. By committing up to $500,000 over a multiyear period, the program empowers theaters to undertake larger, more transformative projects.

Since its inception, the organization has invested over $5.7 million in more than 70 historic theaters and cultural landmarks across the Southeast. This latest $1.5 million commitment for 2026 demonstrates a significant escalation of that mission. The funding, partially sourced from a portion of every ticket sold at the Fox Theatre, directly connects Atlanta audiences to the preservation of cultural heritage throughout the state. This model positions Fox Gives as a leader in philanthropic strategy, setting a new standard for how anchor institutions can foster a sustainable arts ecosystem.

More Than Bricks and Mortar: Theaters as Economic Engines

This investment transcends the simple repair of old buildings; it is a strategic infusion into the economic and social fabric of Rome and Thomasville. Historic theaters are proven engines of local economies. They are powerful drivers of heritage tourism, attracting visitors who support local hotels, restaurants, and retail shops. The restoration projects themselves create skilled jobs in construction, engineering, and design.

Beyond the direct economic impact, these venues serve as cornerstones for downtown revitalization. A vibrant, active theater brings life to a city's core, increasing foot traffic and encouraging further private investment. They are also invaluable educational assets, providing a tangible connection to local history and offering a platform for arts education and vocational training in theater production, as envisioned by Fox Gives' expanded mentorship programs.

By preserving these landmarks, communities safeguard their cultural identity and create central gathering places that foster connection and shared pride. The grants from Fox Gives are not just preserving the past but are actively building a more resilient and culturally rich future for their respective communities.

A Statewide Ecosystem of Support

Fox Gives operates within a broader landscape of public and private entities dedicated to preservation in Georgia, including the Georgia Council for the Arts, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, and various federal grant programs. However, the scale and multiyear nature of its new grant program provide a unique and powerful complement to these efforts. While state and federal grants often provide crucial seed money or matching funds, a substantial, long-term commitment like this enables organizations to move from incremental repairs to comprehensive, visionary renovations.

The support for the DeSoto and Thomasville theaters highlights a growing understanding that preserving cultural infrastructure is essential for community well-being. These grants ensure that the curtains will continue to rise in Rome and Thomasville, allowing new generations to create and share stories within the walls of these historic and treasured Georgia landmarks.