Freeman Arts Pavilion tells Sussex County Council it has drawn 1 million patrons, seeks $10 million to finish permanent stage

Patty Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, told the Sussex County Council on April 29 that the foundation's Freeman Arts Pavilion has reached more than 1,000,000 patrons since its founding and serves roughly 25,000 students annually through an arts-access initiative.

Grimes said the pavilion operates year-round in a phased approach that began after the pandemic and that 50 percent of the foundation's programming is provided free to the public. The foundation reported an annual economic impact study prepared with the University of Delaware showing roughly $24 million in annual economic impact tied to the pavilion and other cultural activity; Grimes said the cumulative economic impact since inception is about $150 million.

Capital campaign and venue plan

Grimes said the foundation seeks to complete a permanent, permitted 4,000-seat venue on approximately 5.29 acres. The foundation has a $40 million capital campaign and reported $30 million raised to date, leaving roughly $10 million to close the campaign. The foundation said expanding the facility will increase attendance (projected to grow from around 108,000 patrons in 2024 to between 150,000 patrons annually once built and stabilized) and extend the performing season, which the presenters said will provide more economic activity for local small businesses.

Student outreach and partnerships

The Freeman Arts Pavilion said it partners with nine Sussex County school districts and more than 43 nonprofit organizations to bring free live performances and related transportation grants to children and families. Grimes said the foundation expects an upcoming production of "Charlotte's Web" to bring more than 8,000 Sussex County schoolchildren to the pavilion during a week in May.

Why the foundation presented to council

The presentation recapped public-charity activities and the foundation's capital campaign progress, and it reiterated the pavilion's claim that arts access builds community and contributes to local economic development. Foundation staffs asked council members to be aware of the pavilion's programs and to consider possible support or referrals for campaign fundraising.

What the presenters said

"Our vision is transforming lives through the arts," Patty Grimes said, and she added the pavilion measures economic and participation impacts to demonstrate community benefit. Grimes named transportation grants, school performances and free programming as central elements of the foundation's outreach work.

Next steps

The presenters said the campaign continues and invited council members and the public to upcoming performances. No county action was requested or taken in the presentation.