‘Next Stage’ campaign aims to fundraise for purchase, improvements
MARFA — Marfa Public Radio announced the launch of Next Stage, a capital campaign to acquire and revitalize the historic Crowley Theater in Marfa for “preserving a community gathering place while expanding opportunities for live programming and strengthening independent public media in West Texas,” according to a press release sent Wednesday morning.
MPR’s goal is to raise $5 million and close on the purchase of the theater by the end of the year, said Randy Ham, the campaign’s spokesperson. That goal amount also includes funding for theater improvements, equipment and other needs to make the site a sustainable venue, and with the intention of adding a new revenue source to the nonprofit station after the loss of federal funding in 2025.
“I’ve been very proud of the contributions that the theater has made to Marfa over the last 28 years,” said Tim Crowley, who purchased the former feed store on South Austin Street in Marfa in 1998 and turned it into a nonprofit venue for a variety of arts and entertainment programming. “And I have every reason to believe that will continue under the stewardship of Marfa Public Radio.”
Crowley said that one of his goals with the sale of the building was to ensure it remained a theater for the community. “It has been the go-to venue for many of the nonprofits in town over a very long period of time,” he said. “And it has resources that are unique in the town for lectures and films, all those types of things. It’s important to me that it continues.”
Marfa Public Radio Board President Mike Pacheco, Vice President Lorri Kershner, and Secretary/Treasurer Jeremy Steele said in a statement:
“For 20 years, Marfa Public Radio has connected the communities of Far West Texas through independent journalism, music, and storytelling. Next Stage represents an opportunity to build upon that legacy by preserving an important cultural landmark and creating a gathering place where those connections can continue to grow. We believe the Crowley Theater can become an extraordinary resource for our communities while helping ensure the long-term sustainability of Marfa Public Radio.”
With a “Take Your Seat” fundraiser, supporters contributing $2,000 can get a theater seat with their name or in honor of someone else — although the campaign will accept donations of any size.
“Take Your Seat gives supporters a personal way to become part of the theater’s future,” Ham said. “Whether you’re honoring someone special, celebrating your connection to Marfa, or simply helping preserve a place where stories are shared, your gift becomes part of something much larger.”
To learn more, Take Your Seat, or make a gift, see marfapublicradio.org/nextstage.
