HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-559-E-Arts Commission-Chelsea Art Theater Inc -2023-24 Arts GrantsGRASSROOTS ARTS PROGRAM / ARTIST PROJECT GRANT 2023-24
Grantee Name
Authorizing Official
Project Title
Award
Grant Category ☐ Artist Project Grant Program
Funding Source
Date
End Date
OCAC Report Due
☐Grassroots Arts Program
☐North Carolina Arts Council ☐ Orange County
July 1, 2023
June 30, 2024
Monday, July 15, 2024
Stipulations ☐Grantee must spend $ on the hiring of multicultural artists specified in
the grant application.
☐Grantee must properly credit the Orange County Arts Commission using the proper
logo on all publicity materials for the funded program. Recipients of operations‐related
grants must include the OCAC logo with link to www.artsorange.org on grantee’s
website. Download logos on the OCAC website at
https://artsorange.org/grants/grantee‐resources
☐Grantee must properly credit the Orange County Arts Commission and the N.C. Arts
Council using the proper logos and N.C. Arts Council credit line on all publicity materials
for funded program. Recipients of operations‐related grants must include the OCAC logo
with link to www.artsorange.org and N.C. Arts Council logo, credit line, and link to
www.ncarts.org on grantee’s website. Download logos and view proper credit line
language on the OCAC website at https://artsorange.org/grants/grantee‐resources
☒The Grant Recipient must enter all events, exhibits, and performances (virtual or in‐
person) open to the public and related to this grant award on the Orange County Arts
Commission website at www.artsorange.org/events. In addition, the Grant Recipient
must add a link to www.artsorange.org (Orange County Arts Commission logo
preferred) to their main webpage.
Staff Contact Katie Murray, Director
(919)245‐2335 | kmurray@orangecountync.gov
Chelsea Art Theater Inc
Emily Kass Executive Director
General Operating Support
$6,400.00
4
4
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
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Revised August 2022
ORANGE COUNTY ARTS
COMMISSION 2023-24
GRANT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 29 day of September, 2023, by and between Orange
County ("County"), by and through the Orange County Arts Commission ("Arts
Commission") and ("Grant Recipient").
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission is a countywide arts agency that ensures the growth of
local arts experiences by providing funding and support for diverse high quality programs and
projects.
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission administers the annual Grants Program to provide
economic opportunities to Orange County artists and non-profit organizations coordinating arts
projects benefiting the citizens of Orange County.
WHEREAS, the annual Arts Grants Program is supported by Arts Commission with
funds from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, a state agency.
WHEREAS, the Grant Recipient was selected by the Arts Commission to receive
the annual Arts Grant through the procedures duly adopted by the Arts Commission; and
WHEREAS, both parties wish to promote and maintain the integrity and clarity of the
Grant Recipient's ideas and statements and delineate the Grant Recipient’s obligations to the
County;
NOW, THEREFORE, the County and the Grant Recipient, for the consideration
and under the conditions hereinafter set forth, agree as follows:
1.Approved Grant Project. Grant funds are provided under this Agreement for the project
(“Project”) described in the Grant Recipient’s Grant Application, attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit A.
2.Grant Award. Grant funds in an amount not to exceed ($ )
have been awarded by the Arts Commission to the Grant Recipient for the approved
Project. The Recipient shall be required to match funds at least dollar-for-dollar with cash
from the Grant Recipient’s funds not derived from either Orange County appropriations or
the North Carolina Arts Council, as outlined in the attached Exhibit A.
3.Contingency. This grant is contingent on North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots
Program funding to the Arts Commission. Final decisions on Grassroots Program funds
to the North Carolina Arts Council are subject to approval by the North Carolina General
Assembly.
4.Responsibilities of the Grant Recipient
Chelsea Art Theater Inc
six thousand four hundred dollars $6,400.00
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A.Implementation. The Project implementation shall take place between July 1,
2023 and June 30, 2024. The Project shall be implemented in the manner
described in Exhibit A. Time is of the essence in the implementation of the
Project.
B.Modifications to project. Grant Recipient shall present major changes to the
original proposal, including but not limited to changes in design, implementation
schedule and increase in Project budget by more than 10%, in writing to the Arts
Commission for approval. Arts Commission shall approve or disapprove Grant
Recipient’s request for modifications within seven (7) days of receipt thereof.
Consent to project modifications shall not be unreasonably withheld. Arts
Commission’s decisions shall be in writing. In the event the Arts Commission
fails to approve or disapprove the requested modifications within the time stated
herein, the modifications shall be deemed approved.
C.Non–assignment. The grant cannot be assigned or transferred to a different project
or artist without prior written approval of the Arts Commission.
D.Records. Grant Recipient must maintain records and other evidence pertaining to
costs incurred and revenues acquired during the Project implementation. Grant
Recipient shall maintain financial records pertaining to the Project for three (3)
years from the date of this Agreement, in case of audit.
E.Use of Funds. Grant Recipient shall not use the grant funds to repay outstanding
taxes or other debts of any nature. The grants shall be utilized solely for the
purpose described in the attached Exhibit A.
F.Final Report. Grant Recipient shall submit to the Arts Commission a Final Report
on July 15, 2024. The Final Report shall be in the format required by the North
Carolina Arts Council. Failure to submit the Final Report or late submission of
the Final Report, for any reason, shall be grounds for denial and/or cancellation of
grant funds for the Project and future grant proposals.
5.Responsibilities of the Arts Commission
A.Payment. The Arts Commission shall release the grant funds in the amount of
$ to the Grant Recipient.
6.Publicity
A.Acknowledgement. Credit must be given to the Orange County Arts
Commission and/or the North Carolina Arts Council using the proper logo(s)
and credit line in brochures, news releases, programs, and all other printed and
online publications. Copies of such printed materials must accompany the
evaluation report. Official Orange County Arts Commission and North Carolina
Arts Council logos may be downloaded at www.artsorange.org/grantee-resources
and may not be altered in any way. When no printed information is used, verbal
$6,400.00
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
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credit shall be given. In addition, all print and promotional material must include
the following credit line and logo(s) (check all that apply):
i.County Funds Only. Orange County Arts Commission logo required.
Credit line required for audio projects: “This program is supported by the
Orange County Arts Commission.”
ii.North Carolina Arts Council Funding. The Orange County Arts
Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council logos are required. Credit
line: “This program is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the
Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.”
B.The Grant Recipient must enter all events, exhibits, and performances open to the
public and related to this grant award on the Orange County Arts Commission
website at www.artsorange.org/events. In addition, the Grant Recipient must
add a link to www.artsorange.org (Orange County Arts Commission logo
preferred) to their main webpage.
7.Indemnity. The Grant Recipient agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County, the
Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council and their officers and employees
from any and all claims or actual injury, damage or loss to a person, or real or personal
property that results from or is in any way connected to the use of the grant funds.
8.Independent Contractor. The Grant Recipient is an independent contractor and not an
employee, agent or other representative of the County and/or the Arts Commission.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create the relationship of
principal and agent, or employer and employee, between Grant Recipient and Arts
Commission or Orange County Government. Grant Recipient understands and agrees
that he/she is not authorized to incur any expenses or any liability whatsoever on behalf
of the County or the Arts Commission and has no authority, expressed or implied, to
obligate or make representations on behalf of the County or the Arts Commission. In
addition, Grant Recipient agrees to maintain his or her own worker's compensation
insurance for himself/herself and his or her employees for the duration of the art work's
installation.
9.Termination
A.In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below (hereinafter referred to as
“default”), the Arts Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement:
(i)Any fraudulent representation in any verification required to obtain
payment under this Agreement or other dishonesty on a material matter
relating to the performance of services under this Agreement.
(ii)Nonperformance, incomplete service or performance, or failure to
satisfactorily perform any part of the Project or to comply with any
provision of this Agreement, as determined by the Arts Commission in its
sole discretion.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
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(iii)Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state or federal laws,
regulations, or stated public policy.
B.In the event of default by the Grant Recipient, the Arts Commission has the
discretion to elect to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part and/or require
the Grant Recipient to repay the grant funds within seven (7) from written notice
of default or allow the grant recipient the opportunity to cure the default. This
clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County’s or the Arts Commission’s
remedies in law or in equity.
10.Miscellaneous.
A.Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the attachments contain the final and
entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement. All modifications and amendments to this Agreement shall be in
writing. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their heirs, successors
and assigns.
B.Governing Law. Governing Law and Priority: Both parties agree that this
Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina and
Orange County. Grant Recipient shall at all times remain in compliance with all
applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations including but not
limited to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws, policies, rules, and
regulations and the Orange County Non-Discrimination Policy and Orange
County Living Wage Policy (each policy is incorporated herein by reference and
may be viewed at
http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php.).
Any violation of this requirement is a breach of this Agreement and Arts
Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement without further
obligation on the part of the Arts Commission. This paragraph is not intended to
limit and does not limit the definition of breach to discrimination. By executing
this Agreement the Grant Recipient certifies that they has not been identified, and
has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list
created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.58. By executing this
Agreement the Grant Recipient certifies that they has not been identified, and has
not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list
created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.81. By executing this
Agreement Grant Recipient affirms they are and shall remain in compliance with
Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. In determining
the basic services to be provided, should any documents be referenced in or
attached to this Agreement, the terms herein shall have priority in any conflict
between the terms of referenced documents and the terms of this Agreement.
C.Dispute Resolution: Neither party may initiate binding arbitration. Any disputes
shall be resolved by nonbinding mediation. If such mediation fails either party
may initiate litigation to resolve the dispute. Should either party initiate litigation
to settle any dispute involving the terms of this Agreement such litigation shall be
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
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initiated in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina seated in Orange
County, North Carolina.
D.Signatures. This Agreement together with any amendments or modifications may
be executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the
intent of the Parties to comply with Article 11A and Article 40 of North Carolina
General Statute Chapter 66.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Grant Recipient have signed this Grant
Agreement, effective on the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the
dates set forth under signatures below.
For and on behalf of the Grant Recipient
Date
For and on behalf of Orange County Government
Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager Date
Emily Kass Executive Director
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
10/5/2023
10/9/2023
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Revised August 2022
ORANGE COUNTY—DEPARTMENT USE ONLY
Department
Party/Vendor Name: Party/Vendor Contact Person: Contact Phone: Party/Vendor Address:
City State: NC Zip: Department: COUNTYMGR/Arts Commission Amount:
Purpose: 2023-24 Arts Grants Budget Code(s): 37290050-630000 Vendor # (N/A if new vendor) Vendor
is a BOCC consultant? Yes No Contract Type: (Check one) New Renewal Amendment Effective
No Date 9-29-2023 Approved by Board Yes Agenda Date:
This agreement is approved as to technical form and content:
Department Director’s Signature Date:
Information Technologies
(Applicable only to hardware/software purchases or related services) This agreement has been reviewed and is
approved as to information technology content and specifications:
Office of the Chief Information Officer Date:
Risk Management
This agreement is approved for sufficiency of insurance standards, specifications, and requirements:
Office of the Risk Management Officer Date:
Financial Services
This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control
Act:
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Date:
Legal Services
This agreement is approved as to legal form and sufficiency:
Office of the County Attorney Date:
Clerk to the Board
Received for record retention:
All Docusign contracts must be copied to Laura Jensen upon completion @ljensen@orangecountync.gov
The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for Docusign contracts:
Office of the Clerk to the Board _Date:_
Chelsea Art Theater Inc Emily Kass 919-929-8428
1129 Weaver Dairy Rd. Suite AB Chapel 27516 $6,400.00
65826
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
10/5/2023
10/9/2023
10/9/2023
10/9/2023
Orange County Arts Commission Powered by Submittable
Title Chel sea Art Theater Inc
by Emily Kass in 2023-24 Grassroots Arts
Program Grant Application
Chelsea Theater
1129 Weaver Dairy Road Ste AB
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
27514
United States
919-929-8428
emily.kass@thechelseatheater.org
06/12/2023
id. 40737391
Original Submission 06/12/2023
APPLICANT
INFORMATION
Please tell us about your organization.
Organization Name Chelsea Art Theater Inc
Mailing Address of
Organization
1129 W eaver Dairy Rd. Suite AB
Suite AB
How did you hear
about our grant
program?
OCAC Enews
Did you or a
representative of
your orgnanization
attend one of our
grants training
sessions?
Yes
Nature of
Organization
Arts Organization
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
Organization
Description
The mission of the Chelsea Theater is: To entertain, inspire and engage
through film to enrich our diverse community. The Chelsea Theater was
once one of several art house theaters in Chapel Hill and across the
Triangle. Today the Chelsea is the Triangle’s only remaining art cinema
devoted entirely to the art of cinema and film related education. Originally
opened in 1990, the Chelsea was saved from closure by a community
fundraising effort (“Save the Chelsea”) and re-opened seamlessly as a
nonprofit on March 30, 2018. As a nonprofit, the Chelsea quickly positioned
itself as a vital part of the local cultural community by establishing working
relationships with national film distributors, attracting new audiences, and
creating a space for discussion and interpretation of film. The Chelsea
presents a portfolio of first-run, as well as repertory, independent, feature,
and documentary films.
The value of the Chelsea’s resurrection as a nonprofit was demonstrated
by the theater’s rapid early growth, with a peak of 1,300 member
households and an annual attendance of 46,000 individuals. This was
halted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when the theater was forced to
close for thirteen months. But adversity contained the seeds of opportunity,
and the board used the lengthy closure to move forward with a much-
needed renovation of the theater by updating public spaces in the lobby
and restrooms; replacing seats, sound systems, screens, and flooring; and
installing a state-of-the-art air filtration system. The renovation was fully
funded the generous local community through their monetary contributions,
as well as in-kind gifts of materials and labor. The updates resulted in three
ADA accessible screening rooms with high quality audio-visual equipment
—offering patrons an outstanding big-screen experience in welcoming
surroundings.
Today, like most other organizations, we are still rebuilding audiences lost
during COVID. During the past twelve months, we presented 149 film titles,
with a total of 2782 separate screenings, or 54 shows per week.
Attendance for these was 27,400.
The Chelsea’s board of directors is comprised of fifteen individuals with
backgrounds in nonprofit leadership, higher education (Duke and UNC
faculty specializing in film and music), marketing and sales, finance, health
care, and construction. The board includes an equal number of men and
women with approximately one quarter from Black or Latino heritage. The
two full-time employees are the executive director and programs and
operations manager, who collectively oversee all programming, operations,
and fundraising. Part-time employees include a half-time marketing
coordinator and half-time operations coordinator. There are six part-time
ticketing and concessions personnel who include college students and
retirees. The Chelsea is open six days a week, including major holidays.
Mondays are reserved for special programs and private events.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
Has your
organization
undergone any
Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion (DEI)
training? If so,
please explain. If not,
please explain any
barriers that have
prevented you from
receiving this
training.
Both full-time employees (the Executive Director, Program and Operations
Manager), and one Box Office Associate plus the immediate past Board
Chair attended the recent DEI training offered by the Arts Commission. W e
plan to meet within the next month to share our observations and determine
what new ideas to implement with the staff and board. These will also be
shared at the next board meeting.
During FY22-23, will
your organization
receive operational
support funding from
the North Carolina
Arts Council or the
North Carolina
Department of
Natural and Cultural
Resources?
No
Organization's EIN 824309682.0
Organization
W ebsite
www.thechelseatheatrer.org
Authorizing Official's
Name
Emily Kass
Authorizing Official's
Title
Executive Director
Authorizing Official's
Phone
919-929-8428
Authorizing Official's
Email
emily.kass@thechelseatheater.org
Applicant Race W hite
Financial Overview
FinancialOv erv iew_Submittable.xlsx
Organizational Financial Statements
FY2022_Budget_Actual.pdf
Final_ChelseaArtTheater_BudgetOv erv iewChelseaArtTheaterBudgetfor2023-FY23PL.xlsx
2022_Form990Package_complete.pdf
Chelsea_Theater_draft_1_2024_budget.xlsx
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
Deficit/Surplus Since 2021 the Chelsea has judiciously used cash reserves to balance the
annual budget. This has been necessary due to the pandemic's impact on
ticket sales, described elsewhere, and the inability to reduce expenses for
the physical plant -- i.e. rent, utilities, insurance-- as well as operations any
further. In 2022 we had a (-$42,000) year end result. For 2023 we are
projecting only a (-$20,000) deficit with the expectation that we will be in a
break-even mode by 2025.
Fortunately, we were able to accumulate adequate cash reserves to cover
these deficits as well as potential (small) emergencies due to receiving a
Shuttered Venues grant in 2021.
Are you an entity of
UNC-Chapel Hill or
another unit of state
government?
No
PROJECT/PROGRAM
INFORMATION
Tell us about your project or program
Title of Grant
Request
General Operating Support
Grant Amount
Requested
$8,000
Is the person in
charge of this
program or project
different from the
Authorizing Official?
No
W hat are you
requesting funding
for?
Operational expense (arts organizations ONLY)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
Request Summary Funds would be used to support operating expenses associated with
programming and marketing, as follows:
Film Acquisition: the acquisition of diverse films, including first-run releases
and classic and hard to find a films to ensure a rich and engaging selection
of films that align with the theater's mission. Costs include booking,
distribution costs, and screening rights.
Programming: The grant will support costs associated with curating film
programs such as expenses related to film screenings, special events,
guest speakers, and panel discussions.
Marketing and Advertising: This includes print advertisements, radio spots,
online campaigns, and social media promotions. Allocating funds to
marketing efforts will enhance the visibility and awareness of the Chelsea
Theatre and its programming.
Outreach and Community Engagement: The grant will support expenses
such as organizing partnerships, collaborations, and community events;
and costs associated with hosting educational programs, groups, and
outreach to schools and community organizations.
W ebsite: The grant will assist in maintaining and updating the theater's
website and digital platforms. This includes web development and hosting
fees, online ticketing systems, and optimizing ease of use.
By providing funding for these essential areas, the grant will enable the
Chelsea to offer diverse programming, effectively reach and expand our
target audiences, engage with the community, and provide a seamless
online experience for patrons.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
Organizational Goals The primary goals of the Chelsea Theatre are to entertain, inspire, and
engage through film while enriching our diverse community. Underlying
these goals is our desire to serve the diverse population in our region, and
to operate in a fiscally responsible manner. Operational support allows us
to curate a wide selection of films from around the world, organize special
programs, and provide a platform for emerging filmmakers. From
internationally acclaimed first run releases to classics representing the
best of the history of film, the Chelsea is dedicated to providing rich
cinematic experiences that help foster a vibrant film community.
Operational support allows us to organize and host screenings of films that
tackle important social issues, push creative boundaries, and offer diverse
perspectives. W ith funding for film acquisition and programming, we can
select films that inspire, challenge, and provoke thought and discussion.
Recent examples include a sold-out showing of How to Blow Up a Pipeline,
with discussion on climate change led by the producer, a Duke University
professor; and Bella, introduced by director Heidi Murname, which
introduced audiences to the pioneering and influential choreographer Bella
Lewitsky. Another example is a planned series of new films on architecture
and design accompanied by panel discussions exploring topics such as
housing, the environment, and transportation. Also forthcoming is a new
documentary about David Hammons, the celebrated African American artist
whose “rule breaking work offers a commentary on race in America.”
Other Chelsea offerings are planned with specific community engagement
in mind. Examples include our annual collaboration with the Jackson Center
and Northside Neighborhood in which we offer free screenings for the
community in a setting where neighbors can talk frankly and openly about
their own history. This year, for Juneteenth, we are hosting two screenings
of Stay Prayed Up, about the Branchettes, by a Chapel Hill filmmaker. The
events will also include community discussion and live gospel music. W e
also participate annually in the NC Latin American Film Festival and
showcase films by indigenous filmmakers. These attract significant
audiences of Latino and Indigenous heritage, as well as students and
adults with an interest in learning more.
W e aim to enrich the community through film education and cultural
experiences that build bridges between organizations and discipline. For
example, earlier this year, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Ballet’s
innovative performance of Romeo and Juliet at Carolina Performing Arts,
we presented Hong Kong and Korean films notable for their choreographed
and dazzling martial arts. For the coming season, we are working on a
series (with CPA) that explores the theme of cultural diplomacy.
These examples are representative of the types of programming the
Chelsea will continue to present in 2023- 2024 and which would not be
possible without dedicated community support.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
How will you
evaluate whether or
not your goals have
been met?
To evaluate the extent to which our goals have been met, several factors
are considered. These include:
Attendance and Ticket/Concessions Sales: Monitoring these reveals much
important data. It indicates our success in attracting and retaining
audiences. It tells us which films are most popular. Sometimes a film might
attract a smaller audience but is critically important to show because of the
community it attracts, or the topic presented. Tracking ticket sales also tells
us how many seniors, students/teachers, members, and general adults
comprise the audience.
Audience Surveys: Conducting surveys with theater patrons provides
valuable insights into their level of satisfaction and engagement. Questions
typically assess satisfaction with film selection, the impact of films on
personal perspectives, ideas for new types of programs, and the overall
experience at the theater. Surveys are conducted by way of the 5,500
people on our email list as well as on site.
Financial support: Membership renewal rates, compared to industry
standards, and levels of giving are immediate indicators of community
interest as well as our fiscal strength and viability. Similarly, the overall
growth of philanthropic support including number of donors and amounts
tells us how well we are doing and where we need to place more emphasis.
Community Feedback: Soliciting feedback from the local community through
various channels, such as social media, email, or comment cards, can
offer direct input on how the Chelsea has impacted the community. This
feedback can highlight areas of success and areas that may need
improvement, as well as identifying potential new areas of emphasis.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Assessing the theater's collaborations
with community and cultural organizations provides insights into our impact
as well as topics of interest and ideas for future and new partnerships.
Local Filmmakers and Artists: Evaluating the participation of and impact on
local filmmakers and artists can indicate the extent to which we have
supported the local creative community. This can include assessing the
number and availability of regionally produced films showcased at the
theater, the participation of local artists in curated events, and any
recognition or support provided to local talents.
Long-term Community Involvement: Monitoring the theater's long-term
involvement in the community, such as its contributions to film education
programs, cultural events, and community initiatives, can help assess the
lasting impact achieved.
By utilizing these and other formal and informal evaluation methods, the
Chelsea Theater can assess the extent to which its goals of entertainment,
inspiration, engagement, and enrichment have been met, allowing for
continuous improvement and alignment with the needs and expectations of
the community
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
How do you promote
and publicize the
work of your
organization?
The Chelsea strives to achieve a comprehensive approach to marketing
and publicity. These approaches include:
Online Presence: W e maintain a strong online presence through our
website, recently revamped for improved ease of learning about films and
purchasing advance tickets.. The website include information about
upcoming screenings, special programs, and ways to support the theater.
Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Letterboxd) are
regularly updated with multiple posts per week.
Email Marketing: The weekly emailed program guide has a circulation of
5,000. It includes updates on film schedules and special promotions with a
direct links to purchase tickets. Additionally, periodic email communications
include special content as well as information about membership,
fundraising, and volunteer needs.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Community partnerships, such as with
The Jackson Center, Carolina Performing Arts, the American Dance
Festival, and the Carrboro Film Festival, help expand our reach and attract
new audiences interested in film and the arts and other topics of community
interest. These collaborations range from cross-promotional initiatives, to
joint events, and co-sponsored film screenings.
Press Releases and Media Outreach: W e provide information to local
media outlets, organizations, and special events sites, highlighting
noteworthy film screenings and programs. W e maintain relationships with
local writers who specialize in film coverage and reviews.
Community Engagement: W hen possible, we participate in local events,
festivals and forums. W e try to collaborate with area universities to involve
students as audience members and interns, and to show special films for
class screenings.
Street Marketing: W e distribute and post flyer in high-traffic areas, and mail
flyers to retirement and community centers.
Special Events and Screenings: W e organize special events, such as film
previews, director Q&A sessions, or themed screenings. W e collaborate
with local filmmakers, artists, and experts to host panel discussions related
to the films being showcased.
Paid advertising: Although advertising dollars are scarce, we judiciously
place ads with W UNC radio, The Indy, the annual Newcomers Guide, and
various programs such as the Orange County Artists’ Guild’s Studio Tour
brochure.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
Please describe
efforts by your
organization to
generate revenue.
The Chelsea generates revenue through a combination of earned and
contributed sources including ticket sales, concessions, donations,
fundraising, sponsorships, and membership support as follows:
Ticket Sales are the largest single source of revenue. Patrons purchase
tickets to attend film screenings and special events. The theater offers set
ticket prices with discounts for members, senior citizens,
students/teachers, and first responders. The first show of the day is always
discounted for all as is the summer Late Night Series which targets
younger (student and young adults) audiences. W hile a few special shows
may have a higher ticket price, in general we aim to keep ticket prices
affordable and within range of other movie theaters in the area.
Concessions and merchandise. Concessions include popcorn, candy, soft
drinks and wine and beer. This revenue is proportionate to the number of
tickets sold. W e also sell merchandise including gift cards, t shirts, and
hats. In October 2022 we started to carry specialty books on film, for
purchase. This new line of merchandise offers an added educational value
as well as books that are typically not sold elsewhere in the Triangle.
Philanthropic gifts, including membership support and unrestricted gifts,
make up about 40% of income. Memberships are sold on a rolling year-
round basis and renewal notices are sent out monthly. Semi-annual
membership drives and annual appeals are handled by both snail mail and
electronically. Donors and members have the option to contribute by mail,
on-line, or on-site when purchasing tickets. Membership support has
steadily increased since we opened in 2018, with a temporary dip during
the pandemic years. W e have also seen members increase their level of
giving, including upgrading to higher membership levels and/or making
additional gifts. Membership fees contribute to the theater's financial
sustainability and foster a sense of community ownership. There are 900
current member households, with another 800 or so who have lapsed but
may well respond to renewal and lapsed member campaigns.
Special Project Support: The successful 2020 campaign to raise funds to
renovate the theater (following the 2018 “Save the Chelsea” campaign)
demonstrated the community’s interest in stepping up to help us in times of
need. W e are currently evaluating our two out of three aging projectors to
plan a campaign needed for their eventual replacement. At this point,
discussion among the board is to raise funds for one within the next year.
Resumes of artists/administrators
Emily_Kass_ED_Resume.docx
Anna-Young-Resume.pdf
Brink_Resume_Updated.pdf
Matthew_C._Brown_-_General_Film_Résumé.pdf
Board of Directors List
Chelsea_Theater_Board_Terms_as_of_January_2023.docx
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F
IRS Tax Exemption
Chelsea_Art_Theater_501c3_letter_of_determination.pdf
W ork Samples
mailer-Chelsea_Classics-FINAL-041423.pdf
flyer-LateNight2023-FINAL.pdf
email-weekOf060823-ChelseaTheater.pdf
FINAL_ChelseaxADF_Foldable_Flyer.pdf
Video Sample:
External Link 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG0si5bSd6I
Video Sample:
External Link 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3DfciuEnvU
Video Sample:
External Link 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHzpUE_FCeI
Letters of support
(optional)
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6ECDFBC0-8900-4102-936F-C2F78E943E7F