For Immediate Release
November 24, 2015
IRT Awarded Largest Grant in 44-Year History
Indianapolis — Just two days before Thanksgiving, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) has been awarded a $7.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the largest gift in the IRT’s 44-year history. The IRT is one of 14 arts and cultural groups to receive grants, which will help them secure strong financial futures. These grants complement Lilly Endowment’s annual support of more than two dozen arts and cultural organizations that nurture the vibrancy of Indianapolis and of communities across the state.
“We are so pleased that Lilly Endowment recognizes the importance of the IRT’s work and impact in our community, as we continue our 44-year commitment to making memorable and life-changing theatre experiences for Hoosiers of all ages. The majority will go directly into IRT’s Endowment, with smaller portions to support capital needs and campaign expenses,” said Mike Harrington, IRT Board Chair. “We are very grateful to be in the good company of the other organizations receiving gifts. Suffice it to say that this gives the IRT staff, board and supporters a very good institutional reason to be thankful this holiday week.”
Lilly Endowment has supported the IRT philanthropically since its inception and has provided key support for many of the IRT’s major projects through the years.
“Lilly Endowment’s investment and counsel to the IRT has enriched the life of our organization in so many incalculable ways as we work to make Indianapolis the most vibrant place it can be,” said Janet Allen, IRT Executive Artistic Director/CEO. “We are particularly grateful for their desire to help make the IRT’s future vivid, sustainable, and filled with exciting and thought-provoking theatre experiences for Indiana audiences for many generations to come.”
Founded in 1972, the IRT is the largest and fully professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and has grown into one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of IRT is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.
###
