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Aspen Film says naming rights could be essential to raising $10–15M for Isis renovation; council counseled caution
Summary
Aspen Film said naming rights and upstairs leasing could unlock fundraising to pay for a $10–15 million renovation; councilmembers supported exploring options but cautioned about erasing historic identity and asked for tasteful approaches and anonymity options for donors.
Aspen Film told the council that to raise the sums needed for a full renovation — which it estimated at roughly $10–$15 million — the nonprofit would likely rely on naming rights and leasing upstairs retail space.
"We certainly don't want to erase the the history of Aspen, nor do we wanna erase the history of the ISIS theater sign," Aspen Film chair Catherine Chapin said, adding that naming rights and leasing could provide the "bedrock" of capital fundraising. Chapin said Aspen Film is "open to creative ways" to preserve the ISIS sign and historic identity while offering donor recognition that would sustain the theater.
Councilmembers debated naming rights tone and permanence: one councilmember said he had "zero issue" with naming rights and expected the community would continue to call it the Isis, while others asked for proposals that preserve the sign and include options like anonymous donors. Aspen Film reiterated it seeks flexibility to generate revenue while pursuing a long‑term preservation strategy.
