Set in the heart of coastal Delaware, the Freeman Arts Pavilion is a performing arts venue for everyone. Both local acts and national artists take the stage. Opera singers and pop stars headline. Underserved youth and out-of-town visitors groove together.
And when crowds pour in for performances, local businesses get a boost too.
So when the pandemic all but extinguished live events, the whole community felt the strain. The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, which oversees the pavilion, decided to get creative. With grant funding from Red Wagon, the organization acquired a large, simple lawn adjacent to the pavilion grounds. The plot’s lack of infrastructure and fixed seating made it perfectly suited to socially distanced performances.
And so the beat went on during the 2020-21 season. The pavilion hosted 67 shows and drew around 80,000 people to the area during an economically dry time. After a full capital campaign, the foundation plans to develop the grounds into a larger arts complex—yet another investment in bringing the arts to all.
highlights
$20k
initially granted
by Red Wagon
67
socially distanced performances made possible
80,000
tourists drawn into the area
One positive action leads to another
Our partners use funding to accomplish something greater than themselves. Consider the ripple effect of Joshua M. Freeman Foundation’s work.
- Red Wagon granted money for a venue expansion during the pandemic
- The Freeman Arts Pavilion was equipped to safely carry on performances
- The whole community received a needed economic (and mood) boost
more partner stories
Our partners tackle community issues with big hearts and smart solutions. Discover how these groups leveraged funding to do good.
-
Delaware Restaurant Association
An emergency fund helps keep restaurant workers afloat during the pandemic.
-
Sussex County Land Trust
A conservation group diverts 30 acres from development, preserving space for a new trailhead.