State offers matching grant for Victory Theater project in Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority says it will award a matching grant up to $50,000 towards the restoration of Victory Theater in Evansville. A patron support group of the 100-year-old venue, Friends of the Victory Inc., has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,000 by November 15. If successful, IHCDA says it will match those funds from its CreatINg Places program.

“The Victory Theater has been an anchor of my hometown’s arts community for a century,” said Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. “This campaign will help restore an Evansville treasure and light the way for Hoosiers to come enjoy performances in this historic venue for years to come.”

The organization says funds from this campaign will help pay to restore the theater’s marquee, including the installation of an LED message board to support arts event.

“The replica of the historic Victory marquee will serve not only as a symbol for the theatre itself, but as an iconic symbol of historic downtown Evansville”, said Scott Schoenike, president of the Friends of Victory.

The CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $5.5 million in public funds and an additional $4.5 million in matching IHCDA funds.