The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant of $1M by the Mellon Foundation. This grant will support economic development and community-building work around CTH’s free summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Carl Cofield, which will transport audiences into a world of magic and mischief at the height of the Harlem Renaissance. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding.
“Classical Theatre of Harlem is among the more thrilling anchors of New York’s artistic landscape. Summer after summer, year after year, the artists and theater workers animating the stories on stage pave a powerful road for future generations” said Stephanie Ybarra, program officer for Arts and Culture at the Mellon Foundation. “It is with immense gratitude and respect that we celebrate this partnership with Ty and the entire team at CTH.”
“We are thrilled and incredibly grateful for the Mellon foundation support for our 25th anniversary season. We look forward to applying this funding to help CTH draw over 20,000 people to the neighborhood and generate $500,000 in economic activity.” said Producing Artistic Director, Ty Jones. “Funding for the arts is essential especially for small organizations like CTH that provide a public benefit. The Classical Theatre of Harlem is both good for Harlem, and good for NYC.”
With this funding, CTH will present a captivating 25th Anniversary Season, commencing with a free Harlem Renaissance-themed production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Carl Cofield in Marcus Garvey Park in July. In September, the world premiere of Memnon by Will Power, also directed by Cofield, will take place at the Getty Villa in California. CTH collaborates with Uptown Grand Central to create opportunities for local small businesses and nonprofit cultural and community care organizations, expanding arts audiences across Northern Manhattan.
