Crump Theatre project highlighted at governor’s celebration

The Crump Center for the Performing Arts project was highlighted at a reception yesterday held by the governor.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun held a reception yesterday in Indianapolis to celebrate the 49 Arts and Culture initiative projects recently announced under the state’s READI grant program, including the Columbus project as one of the highlights.

At the reception, Braun was joined by Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich, regional leadership and representatives of all 49 arts and culture projects. The program highlighted four of the projects including the restoration of the historic Crump Theatre in downtown Columbus.

The $21.85 million project will turn the aging Crump Theatre on Fourth Street into the Crump Center for the Performing Arts. The theater opened in 1889 and is the oldest remaining theater in Indiana. Announced last week, the READI grant will provide $6.1 million toward the project and was the largest single grant in the state. It is also being supported through Heritage Fund, the Bartholomew County Community Foundation with fundraising through Project Encore.

The governor’s reception also highlighted projects in Muncie, Tipton and Surack City.

According to the governor’s office, the arts and culture projects are expected to generate $369.6 million in total investment by furthering artist-, entrepreneur- and workforce-driven initiatives focused on Indiana’s creative economy.

Photo provided by governor’s office