The lights dim and the projector whirs to life as it has for five decades in downtown Fort Wayne. But this year the drama is happening off the screen. The Fort Wayne Cinema Center has officially launched a critical fundraising campaign to secure its future. Leaders say they must raise $100,000 to keep this historic cultural hub alive for the next generation.
Fundraising push targets vital upgrades
This month marks a pivotal moment for the non-profit organization as it kicks off the “Celebrate 50” campaign. The initiative aims to generate $100,000 by the end of 2026 to fund urgent renovations.
The money will go directly toward essential improvements that the theater desperately needs.
- Technology Overhaul: Upgrading aging projection and sound systems to modern standards.
- Facility Facelift: Installing a brand new marquee to brighten East Berry Street.
- Program Expansion: Funding more community events and filmmaker Q&A sessions.
Executive Director Art Herbig believes these updates are not just cosmetic. They are necessary survival tools in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. He emphasized that the Cinema Center offers something you cannot download. It provides a shared human experience that digital platforms lack.
Streaming giants force industry shift
The movie business has changed drastically since the Cinema Center first opened its doors in 1976. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have aggressively captured the marketshare that once belonged to traditional movie houses.
Herbig admits the industry is tough right now.
“When I started, I remember the mantra on the board was that Netflix is going to kill Cinema Center. I had to sort of get across to the people on the board that Netflix is going to kill megaplexes. The 20-theater model isn’t sustainable anymore.”
His prediction has largely come true in Indiana. several large commercial theaters in Fort Wayne have shuttered their doors recently. Yet the Cinema Center remains standing because it pivoted its business model. It focuses on community engagement rather than just selling tickets to blockbusters.
The organization markets itself as a creative gathering place. You can enjoy popcorn and a movie but also stay for deep conversations with directors and fellow cinephiles. This “third place” atmosphere is what Herbig says will save them.
Recovering from a long shutdown
The road to this 50th anniversary has not been smooth. The theater was hit harder than most local businesses when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in March 2020.
Foot traffic vanished overnight. The Cinema Center was forced to close its doors for a staggering 18 months.
When they finally reopened the staff felt like they were starting a new business from scratch. The long closure severed habits and routines for many loyal patrons. Memberships plummeted during the hiatus. This was a major financial blow since annual members provide the reliable revenue stream that sustains daily operations.
“We lost a bunch of memberships because people weren’t coming to the theater and renewing,” Herbig explained. “Memberships are our lifeblood. They are what sustains us.”
The “Celebrate 50” campaign is partly an effort to win those people back. The team is working overtime to remind locals why independent cinema matters. They argue that while streaming is convenient it is also isolating.
More than just a movie theater
The future of the Cinema Center depends on reconnecting with the community on a personal level. The staff has planned a year full of special events to draw crowds back to their seats.
One highlight is the upcoming Oscars Gala on March 14.
The event will feature a 1970s theme to honor the theater’s founding decade. Guests will watch The Godfather and enjoy a red carpet experience that mimics the glitz of Hollywood. Events like these serve a dual purpose. They raise funds and they rebuild the social fabric that the pandemic destroyed.
Herbig says the goal is to make people feel welcome again. He wants patrons to know their viewpoints are heard and valued.
“One of the things we figured out is we’re not going to replace [streaming],” Herbig said. “In fact what we need to do is reach out to the community and bring them back.”
The campaign is an invitation to every resident of Northeast Indiana. It asks them to invest in a place where culture and conversation thrive.
Summary: The Fort Wayne Cinema Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a bold $100,000 fundraising campaign called “Celebrate 50.” After surviving an 18-month pandemic closure and the rise of streaming services, the non-profit theater is seeking community support to upgrade its technology and facilities. Executive Director Art Herbig emphasizes that the theater offers a unique shared experience that Netflix cannot replicate. Through events like the 1970s-themed Oscars Gala, the organization hopes to rebuild its membership base and ensure its doors remain open for decades to come.
Please share your favorite memories of the Cinema Center in the comments below. If you are planning to attend upcoming events, tag your photos with #CinemaCenter50 on social media to show your support!
