Atlanta, Ga. (November 20, 2024) – The Department of Community Affair’s Historic Preservation Division is a recipient of a $25,000 financial grant given as part of the Fox Theatre’s 2024-2025 Fox Gives grants program. 

The funds will be used to research, document, plan, and propose the Chitlin Circuit Heritage Trail with the purpose to educate the public about entertainment in the African American community during the South’s segregated Jim Crow Era. The initial phase of this project requires travel to research and document the Chitlin Circuit and create case studies for potential trail site destinations.

“The Historic Preservation Division is honored to receive such a distinctive grant from Fox Gives,” said Mary A. Joseph, African Americans Programs Coordinator of HPD said. “This funding not only honors the legacy of the Black performers who shaped America’s cultural landscape, but also allows us to preserve and share their stories for generations.”

Since its inception in 2008, Fox Gives has expanded its philanthropic efforts, doubling its financial commitment to preserving historic theaters and venues across Georgia and the Southeast. To date, it has awarded over $3.7 million to more than 70 historic theaters, addressing a diverse range of grant categories, including: emergency needs, historic structure studies or planning, technical assistance, and preservation. Providing up to $500,000 annually, these funds foster economic development and cultural vitality and revitalize community hubs and downtowns throughout the region.

“We've reaffirmed our mission to preserve and share both at the Fox Theatre and across Georgia,” said Leigh Burns, Director of Community Partnerships for Fox Gives. “We’re proud to build on 16 years of preservation projects and remain committed to inspiring future generations of preservationists.”

The community partnerships division of the Fox Theatre also manages several additional outreach initiatives, such as Fox in a Box, a complimentary educational program for Georgia's elementary schools; Georgia Presenters, a unique statewide talent booking network; and the All-Access Pass Program, to enrich performing arts experiences while encouraging the next generation of theater supporters and professionals.

To learn more about the Department of Community Affairs’ programs, including historic preservation, please visit dca.georgia.gov.  For more information about Fox Gives, please visit foxtheatre.org/foxgives.

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About the Department of Community Affairs 

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong and vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low and moderate incomes buy homes, rental housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit dca.georgia.gov. 

 

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About Fox Gives                                       

Fox Gives is the expanded outreach arm of Atlanta's iconic Fox Theatre, committed to fostering community partnerships and enriching lives through the arts. Evolved from the Fox Theatre Institute, Fox Gives continues the legacy of providing historic preservation expertise, consultation, and education to performing arts venues in Georgia and beyond. With a focus on environmental and economic impact, Fox Gives offers multiyear preservation grants, arts education programs, and vocational mentorship, leveraging resources to stimulate local economies and keep the artistic pulse of communities vibrant. Under the Fox Gives umbrella, the theatre introduces transformative initiatives like the All-Access Pass high school program to open new doors in vocational arts education for young minds. For more information, visit foxtheatre.org/foxgives and stay connected on Facebook and Instagram.

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About the Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta's premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 250 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre hosts over 100 annual private events like wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two fabulous ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club, presented by Lexus, is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury bar accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre is a fiercely protected landmark and nationally acclaimed theatre today. The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners' generous support: Casamigos, Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, and Regions Bank. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499.  Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, X, and Facebook. 

 

Notable accolades include 2023 Billboard Magazine #2 Highest Grossing Theatre Worldwide (5,000 seats or less); 2023 VenuesNow Magazine #2 Year-End Top Stops (2,001-5,000 seats); 2022 IEBA Theatre of the Year; 2021 Billboard Magazine #1 Highest Grossing Theatre Worldwide (5,000 seats or less); 2021 Pollstar Magazine #2 Theatre Worldwide in Ticket Sales and 2021 VenuesNow Magazine #2 Year-End Top Stops (2,001-5,000 seats). Additionally, in 2019, the Fox Theatre was honored with the VenuesNow #1 Top Stop of the Decade Award for Tickets Sold, further cementing its reputation as a premier entertainment venue.