2020-825-E Arts Commission-Chelsea Theatre NCCARES grant

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Provide a brief description of your pre-pandemic core arts-related programming or offerings. In line with our mission statement the Chelsea has a tradition of presenting films that are not otherwise available to be seen in commercial theaters or on streaming services. Unlike mass market movies, films shown at the Chelsea are typically intended by their makers as serious artistic works, often experimental, and often made for niche audiences. These tend to be independent films that are less commercial and have limited distribution. While the majority of our audience are Orange County residents, many travel from other parts of the Triangle and beyond. Demographically, our audience skews on the older side of fifty, which is typical of arthouse theaters across the country, but films also appeal to artists and students. We estimate that racial composition is approximately 79% Caucasian, 12% Black or African American, 6% Asian, and 3% Hispanic or Latino. This is based on informal surveys that compare audience composition with the diversity of films shown. Gender makeup is approximately 60% female. Additional information is included two sections below. North Carolina’s “stay at home” order (Executive Order 117) had a profound impact on the arts sector. Describe the specific steps your organization took to comply with Executive Order 117. The Chelsea Theater officially closed on March 16 and laid off part time staff responsible for on - site ticketing, concessions, and projection. The theater has remained closed ever since. We “mothballed” our facility and retained only the two full time staff to maintain equipment, administration, donor relations and fundraising to make sure we could weather the pandemic. At the time of closing, we optimistically believed it would be “safe” to reopen within two or so months. However, as extended closure became apparent, and with increasing knowledge about transmission and necessary precautions required, our board decided to take dramatic action to ensure that upon reopening we would be deemed safe and welcoming to the public for years to come. When we acquired the Chelsea in 2018, we had intended to raise funds to upgrade the interiors, whose seats, screens and various fixtures were already in serious stages of disrepair. Thus, with time on our side, we embarked on an immediate fundraising campaign and began a total renovation, from seats to sound systems to restrooms, to lobby, ticketing and concessions area. All renovations are in accordance with, and go well beyond, the requirements of Section 3 of Executive Order 117, as we keep up with new information provided by the State, County, CDC and all reputable sources. Renovations will be complete in mid-November. Fundraising, conducted primarily through direct mail and telephone, has been successful and we expect to cover all renovations costs. The theater has also adopted CinemaSafe, the uniform health and safety protocols issued by the National Association of Theater Owners. Please explain the impact of your organization on the Orange County community in a typical year. In 2018 the Chelsea Theater became this area’s only nonprofit dedicated solely to the appreciation and understanding of film. In 2019 nearly 47,000 people purchased tickets to attend films at the Chelsea. With a three-screen theater and operating 365 days a year until March 16, 2020, the Chelsea shows a mix of first run, independent, international, documentary, classic and specialty films. We present diverse films that reflect the makeup of the county, DocuSign Envelope ID: C2DFBA68-8631-4334-B9F8-EB0D76E7F376