“Over 2,000 people have donated to the Art-House America Campaign,” according to a release from Art House Convergence, an organization dedicated to advancing excellence and sustainability in community-based, mission-driven media exhibition. Independent cinemas across around the world have been affected by the spread of COVID-19. The Art-House America Campaign will provide financial relief to independent cinemas in the United States temporarily closed in order to slow the spread of virus.
The Campaign began with a donation of $50,000 from the Criterion Collection and Janus Films. In the days since, they have invited friends of independent movie houses from all over to join them in the effort.
“It has been truly moving to see so many people rally around art houses and express their love for independent cinema, “ the Art House Convergence release continued. As of April 3, the Campaign had raised over $325,000 toward its $500,000 goal.
The GoFundMe states that the money raised is to ensure art houses are able to reopen when safe to do so and will be distributed based on need, impact, and sustainability. Recipient cinemas are only allowed to use funds for “essential payments,” which include payroll, insurance, rent, non-deferrable loans, utilities, fundraising, and mortgages.
“We will post regular updates listing funding recipients,” according to the GoFundMe.
Independent cinemas are paramount to lower profile films and the primary exhibitors of classic, foreign language, and small-budget films. To learn more and join the movement, visit arthouseconvergence.org.
