Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Inc.

Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Inc. is a not-for-profit organization located in Sharon Springs, New York. It is dedicated to preserving the historic Klinkhart Hall building and establishing it as an arts center for local and regional communities.

History and Purpose

Klinkhart Hall was originally constructed in 1885 by George Klinkhart, featuring an opera house on the second floor that served as a venue for musical and theatrical performances, lectures, and community gatherings. Over the years, the building has been used for various purposes, including housing a Masonic Lodge and a movie theater. The not-for-profit organization was established in 2016 after local business owners donated the building to the cause.

Mission and Programs

The organization's mission includes hosting and producing high-quality events in performing and visual arts, along with offering cultural, civic, and educational programs. These efforts aim to promote inclusion and diversity, enriching public dialogue and contributing to community revitalization. Klinkhart Hall Arts Center provides a venue for local, regional, and national productions in theater, dance, music, visual arts, and digital arts. It also sponsors civic events such as town meetings, seasonal festivals, and workshops.

Achievements and Funding

The restoration of Klinkhart Hall was initiated with significant funding from New York State, which has supported the project's various phases. The organization receives support from institutions like the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, facilitating programs that enrich cultural engagement in the region.

Status

Klinkhart Hall Arts Center Inc. is registered as a 501(c)(3) organization, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau. It maintains compliance with financial reporting requirements to support its mission of preserving cultural heritage and promoting arts education in Sharon Springs.