Little Art Theatre Receives Nonprofit Status - Official PR

YELLOW SPRINGS, OH – The Little Art Theatre announced October 14 that it has become a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. The Little Art, which has been showing movies in Yellow Springs for more than 80 years, will be owned and governed by the Board of Directors of the Little Art Theatre Association and managed by Executive Director Jenny Cowperthwaite.

Cowperthwaite, who purchased the theatre in 1998, decided to transition the business after meeting several times with Charlie Humphrey, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Filmmakers. Humphrey served as a consultant and advisor to the theatre as part of the Yellow Springs Center for the Arts’ effort to stabilize and build the capacity of existing arts organizations in the village. Humphrey observed, “Although the Little Art is a for-profit venture, it functions very much as if it were a not-for-profit organization ... programming seems motivated more by mission than revenue. Residents of the village value the Little Art as a significant cultural asset.”

Cowperthwaite’s later-formed advisory committee, which was tasked with researching a number of other small, single-screen theatres around the country, found that all but one were operating as a nonprofit.

According to Cowperthwaite, “The advantages of being a 501(c)(3) became clear.” Little Art patrons have shown their support for the theatre via the Friends of the Little Art membership campaign since its inception in 2001 and have played a major role in keeping the doors open these last several years. Maureen Lynch, Vice President of the Little Art Theatre Association Board noted that, “Donors will now receive tax deductions for their contributions, and we’ll be able to seek foundation and government support for special projects.”

Board President Zack McGhee said that Little Art audiences can look forward to a continuing commitment to showing independent and foreign films, and also a “wider range of programming and events.” In a recent letter to the Friends of the Little Art Cowperthwaite assured “all memberships and passes are still valid, and all that you love about the Little Art will remain, including the great films you’re accustomed to seeing in a wonderful, warm and friendly atmosphere.”

The Little Art Theatre Association is ready to begin a major fundraising effort through the Friends of the Little Art membership campaign. The Yellow Springs Community Foundation has agreed to match up to $5,000 in contributions received. Patrons can also sign up for or renew memberships online at www.littleart.com. Cowperthwaite noted that strong community support will “ensure that the Little Art will be here for generations to come.”

More about the Little Art, along with membership and donation information, can be found online at www.LittleArt.com or by calling 937-767-7671.