FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:December 22, 2004
Contact: Jessica Byler, Marketing and Programming Coordinator
301-699-1819, jessica@worldartsfocus.org

WE OWN IT!!!
JOE’S MOVEMENT EMPORIUM PURCHASES WAREHOUSE
TO ESTABLISH PERMANENT HOME

World Arts Focus/Joe’s Movement Emporium has purchased a warehouse located at 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mt. Rainier, MD. The space for a new Joe’s Movement Emporium will transform a 20,000 square foot empty building into a community performing arts center. The space will include three dance studios, a 150 seat theatre, an arts education center, production shops for costumes and props, a welcoming front porch and lobby, an outdoor performance space, rental space for studios, offices and storage for artists or non-profits, a pantry kitchen for events and after school culinary arts program, a café and concession area, art exhibition space in lobby and hallways, and administrative offices.

Major capital received to purchase the new Joe’s includes a $200,000 Economic Development Inititiative grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, sponsored by Representative Chris Van Hollen, Senator Paul Sarbanes, and Barbara Mikulski. The Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation supported with a $200,000 grant and has chosed the naming rights to the theatre. Additional support has been provided by The Prince Charitable Trusts, Neighborhood Business Redevelopment Program, Wachovia Foundation, Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Gateway Community Development Corporation has also played a major role in facilitating the receipt of the federal grant and applications to state funding agencies.

In addition, World Arts Focus has secured permanent financing from the Economic Development Growth Enhancement (EDGE) program through Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta sponsored by BB&T.

Support is widely felt for Joe’s to be the owner of a facility in the Gateway Arts District, a state recognized Arts and Entertainment District in which it has contributed to in growth and awareness. An important anchor for the federal arts funding, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, (D-MD) shares his support, “The Capital Campaign is critical to achieve the Gateway Arts District vision. Joe’s is a catalyst for greater arts district development.” “The new building will enable the organization to deepen and expand its roots in our community. The artists, educators, and leaders of Joe’s will continue to enrich our lives and create lasting opportunities for small businesses, local schools, and the children and families in our neighborhoods and in our region,” Peter Shapiro, former Prince George’s County councilmember.

Critical funding support came from Barbara Goliday, Director of Community Affairs, Wachovia Corporation. Also a Mount Rainier resident, she comments that “Cultural facilities are an important component of vibrant communities. Wachovia is committed to facilitating access and participation in cultural experiences in low- and moderate- income communities and to insuring that arts venues reflect the diversity of their communities. Joe’s Movement Emporium is a great example of an arts organization that makes its community a better place to live.”

World Arts Focus and Joe’s Movement Emporium is in the middle of a four year capital campaign. The $2.5 million goal will be accomplished by volunteers of the Major Gifts Committee and a Community Committee. In our fundraising plan, major gift levels range from $5,000 to $200,000. Naming opportunities start at $25,000. Grassroots gifts will be actively pursued in the later stages of the campaign to allow everyone who wishes to contribute a chance to do so.

The New Joe’s is expected to be open in the Fall of 2005. Several arts groups have already chosen the new facility for its residence, including Balafon West African Dance Company, Gamelan Mitra Kusuma, Cat Scratch Theatre, and Thriving Arts Productions, among others. Studio space, office space, and visual art studio space is also available for lease.

For more info:
Joe’s Movement Emporium
3802 34th St. Mt. Rainier, MD 20712
ph: 301-699-1819
www.worldartsfocus.org

World Arts Focus and Joe's Movement Emporium is supported in part by grants from the Prince George's Arts Council, PGAC Super Circle, the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Maryland State Arts Council which is an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Meyer Foundation, Prince Charitable Trusts, Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Weissberg Foundation, and Community Vision Consultants.

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