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 Campaign for the New Century
Running through the center of the design, and through three centuries, is an ornate path that recalls generations of renowned Collingwood and Bardavon performers – from John Barrymore to Al Pacino, Lillian Russell to Lily Tomlin, Jascha Heifetz to Itzhak Perlman. As the dedication stone states, "The presence of the legendary artists and personalities remembered here still lingers in this historic hall." Like a friendship quilt, the Esplanade renders the work of a community into a work of art. Alongside founders Stephen and Julia Dunwell, who in 1975 led the charge to rescue and reinstate the Bardavon, the dedication stone of the Esplanade honors seven major donors whose leadership gifts and pledges have provided a strong platform of capital support toward the current Campaign for the New Century: The Dyson Foundation, New York State, Dutchess County, the City of Poughkeepsie, the Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust, the McCann Foundation, and the Jeanette F. Schlobach Charitable Trust. The Campaign for the New Century was launched in 2002 with cornerstone grants from The Dyson Foundation and the Jane W. Nuhn Charitable Trust. Its charge is to provide funding for the structural stabilization, renovation and fire separation of the stagehouse complex, which encompasses the entire backstage area behind and including the proscenium wall. The scope of work includes phased restoration, replacements and upgrades for two major interrelated systems: the grid/fly system infrastructure and the heating/ventilating/air conditioning (HVAC) system. The goal for this stagehouse complex project of the Campaign for the New Century is approximately $2.9 million. An investigative study of the paint layers, decorative finishes, and other elements of the 1923 decor funded by the National Endowment for the Arts was completed in 2004. This research is preliminary to an authentic restoration of the Bardavon's elegant interior and signature Shakespearean mural, offering us an irresistible temptation to launch yet one more capital campaign in future years. The New York State listing on the Esplanade dedication stone acknowledges the generous ongoing capital support of several individual State agencies: the NYS Council on the Arts (NYSCA) through its Capital Program; the NYS Energy Research & Development Authority; and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, which has awarded the Bardavon four major capital grants over the last decade. A recent Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act grant awarded by this agency provides funding for the grid/fly system renovation. This generous support was secured by the administration of Commissioner Bernadette Castro with the advocacy of Senator Stephen M. Saland, whose constant efforts have also provided substantial ongoing program support in the form of NYS Legislature member items. In the auditorium and inner lobby are seven new emergency exit door units replicated from 1923 blueprints, a final project of the prior campaign funded through a NYSCA capital grant matched by the City of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County. The City’s 2004 and 2005 CDBG allocations are dedicated to the HVAC System renovations. Note that beyond capital, NYSCA supports the Bardavon substantially through four other program areas, and that the County provides multi-track support via the Dutchess County Arts Council Fund. The acknowledgement of Dutchess County on the dedication stone also expresses our appreciation for major capital grants from the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency. The stone goes on to say, "The friendship of those who generously support its [the Bardavon’s] restoration and preservation lives on with every performance that takes the stage." A roster of foundations, corporations and government agencies that support the theater’s performances and programs can be accessed by clicking here. The donors named on the dedication stone are prominent in this listing, as well – a clear indication of their enlightened leadership. We are infinitely grateful for the depth and extent of their generosity, and for the gifts of each and every friend of the Bardavon. Click here for more information about The Esplanade Walk of Fame. If you want to learn more about past capital campaigns click here. For more information call Barbara Fehribach Director of Development 845.473.5288 ext. 108 or e-mail her at bfehribach@bardavon.org. SUBSCRIBE TO THE BARDAVON/HVP MAILING LIST!
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