Times like these are hard for almost all of us, but they are particularly threatening for small to medium sized artistic enterprises. A case in point is the Irondale Ensemble Project, a Fort Greene based theater group for which Baltic Street resident Joseph McCarthy serves as Director of Development. Irondale, which presents innovative stage productions on socially relevant themes and also “engage[s] the wider community through partnerships with schools, prisons, shelters, and other organizations”, has been given a challenge grant by the Independence Community Foundation under which ICF will provide an aditional $1 for every $4 donated to Irondale, provided that Irondale can raise $50,000 by March 31.
Here is Irondale’s co-founder and Executive Director, Terry Greiss, explaining the Project’s current situation and plans:
In this situation, every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. You can contribute on-line here. Shakespeare Santa Cruz created a viral video in December announcing they were shutting down unless they raised $300,000. 2500 people contributed $420,000 in three weeks, saving their season. Joe McCarthy says, “We know Brooklyn can do better.”
