CLEVELAND — In an effort to "support the remaining infrastructure and capital improvements to the campus in the Fairfax neighborhood in Cleveland," the Mandel Foundation has awarded a $4 million challenge grant to the Karamu House.
According to a release, the donation "will accelerate direct economic impact in the Fairfax neighborhood and will support Karamu’s ongoing pursuit of racial equity and inclusion for all members of the community through the arts." Specifically, the grant will support Karamu’s Phase IV renovations in their Education and Administration Building, completing the renovation of the main building.
As a challenge grant, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation will dollar for dollar match additional donations collected now through the end of 2024, up to $4 million. Effectively, the grant will double donations from other foundations, corporations and donors.
“We raise the money, they match the money, and so our goal is to really complete this initiative by the end of 2024," President and CEO of Karamu House, Tony Sias, told 3News.
In a statement, Sias stated: “It is with sincere gratitude that Karamu House accepts this incredible challenge grant in the amount of $4 million from the Mandel Foundation. This new partnership and collaboration will allow us to complete the infrastructure and capital improvements of Phase IV of our master plan. These enhancements include renovations in the Education and Administration Building, bringing construction of the main building to a close. We are elated knowing these funds and the new relationship will add to the bright future of Karamu.”
In an interview, Sias added that this grant will allow Karamu House to expand education programs, and add new features such as a studio for young people to develop and design new works from their own ideas, plus construct interactive historic exhibitions.
“We envision the education and administration wing being classroom spaces and administration offices, but as well we envision it as interactive exhibitions to then share the history of Karamu, the history of American theatre, Black theatre, and of course, Cleveland history,” Sias said.
Currently, Karamu House is in the midst of Phase III renovations, which centers on increasing accessibility throughout the campus, and also adding an outdoor community stage, indoor theatre, and a bistro.
“The Mandel Foundation’s award to Karamu signifies an important investment in the arts and humanities in Cleveland,” added Stephen H. Hoffman, Chairman of the Board of the Mandel Foundation. “With this challenge grant, Karamu House will be better positioned to boost their arts community and support Black artists and performers in Cleveland.”
Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin, who sits on the board of Karamu House as a representative of the ward it's located in, said he is excited about this investment.
"The entire board is committed to really working hard to look under every cushion, to try to find every penny, to look at every organization, every corporation, in order to try to make sure that we meet this challenge grant,” Griffin said.
Originally founded in 1915, Karamu House is described as “a place of joyful gathering where people from different races and backgrounds use the arts as a platform to educate, celebrate and activate around cultural touchstones." By presenting high-quality theatre productions, Karamu contributes to the livability of Greater Cleveland, educating students of all ages in dance, theatre and vocal performance while creating community through shared activities and celebration.