Cleveland Public Theatre Receives a Transformational Gift of $6M, in Support of Programming and Capital Enhancements, from the Joan Yellen Horvitz Trust

UPDATE: Thank you to Ideastream Public Media, News 5 Cleveland, Cleveland.com, and Crain’s Cleveland Business for the press about this historic gift. Read their articles below!

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) has received the largest gift since its founding in 1981 from the Joan Yellen Horvitz Trust. Through a bequest, Yellen Horvitz has gifted $6M to CPT—$4 million in a restricted fund managed by The Cleveland Foundation to establish a new Joan Yellen Horvitz director fellowship and $2 million to support the renovation and transformation of the former St. Mary’s Orthodox Church on CPT’s campus in the Gordon Square Arts District.

“Joan’s passion and support for contemporary theater productions were evident during her lifetime through both her financial support and her artistic creations in costume and design. We now have the opportunity to honor her memory by developing the next generation of talent to have significant impact on the performing arts in Cleveland. Thanks to Cleveland Public Theatre for advancing this initiative!”

–Erica Hartman Horvitz, Joan Yellen Horvitz Trust

“Joan connected with CPT at a critical juncture and was the costume designer of the first play I produced as Executive Artistic Director, Fefu and Her Friends by Maria Irene Fornes. This collaboration led to a wonderful friendship. Joan had a passion for artistic expression and empowerment of women and played a big role in CPT’s growth. We now have the opportunity to honor her memory by developing the next generation of talent to have significant impact on the performing arts in Cleveland.”

–CPT Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan

Renovating the Church will create a unique rehearsal and performance space for bold, brand new theater performances. CPT will soon be announcing more details about the Joan Yellen Horvitz director fellowship which will provide financial support for diverse directors of excellence and their work.

“To receive this gift now, is not only an affirmation of our unique approach, but more importantly will greatly expand and deepen our impact locally and beyond,” said Philip Oliss, Board President, Cleveland Public Theatre.

press

Ideastream Public Media: Cleveland Public Theatre welcomes ‘transformative’ $6M gift

News 5 Cleveland: Cleveland Public Theatre receives $6 million gift. Funds will support St. Mary’s Orthodox Church renovation.

Cleveland.com: Cleveland Public Theatre receives historic $6M gift

Crain’s Cleveland Business: Cleveland Public Theatre receives ‘massive’ $6 million gift, the largest in its history

Cleveland Jewish News: Cleveland Public Theatre receives largest gift in history

ABOUT CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

Cleveland Public Theatre’s mission is to raise consciousness and nurture compassion through groundbreaking performances and life-changing education programs. CPT develops new, adventurous work, and nurtures Northeastern Ohio artists—particularly those whose work is innovative and socially conscious. A majority of CPT’s work is by artists who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, including works by internal ensembles: Cleveland CORE Ensemble, Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi and Teatro Publico de Cleveland. Producing more new work than all the Northeast Ohio professional theatres combined, CPT serves local artists at every step of the creative process through four developmental programs. Simultaneously, our acclaimed education programs engage communities in year-round programs focused on devising new works that speak to contemporary issues and empower participants to work for positive change in our community. Our programs serve hundreds of families who live in public housing, working teens in the city, and formerly homeless adults in treatment for addiction. CPT serves a critical role as a local anchor organization with multiple performance facilities—having catalyzed redevelopment and instigated a cultural renaissance in the once-blighted Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.