Winston-Salem’s beloved independent movie theater, a/perture cinema, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Leigh Dyer as its new executive director. This announcement, made on Thursday, comes shortly after the departure of the theater’s founder and former director, Lawren Desai, who had a significant impact on the local arts scene.
Dyer, who brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles at the Mint Museum in Charlotte and the GreenHill Center for NC Art in Greensboro, expressed her enthusiasm about stepping into this pivotal role. “I’m thrilled to lead this celebrated nonprofit into a critical new phase of growth and support for the art and craft of independent filmmaking,” she stated. Notably, Dyer also has a background in journalism, having previously worked at the Winston-Salem Journal, lending her a unique perspective on the intersection of media and arts.
The past few months have been a whirlwind for a/perture cinema. After Desai’s announcement to step down in September, the organization revealed its need to raise 0,000 by year-end to sustain its operations. Since then, they’ve reported an overwhelmingly positive response to their fundraising campaign, indicating strong community support for the theater.
As Dyer steps into her new role, she will be tasked with sharing the results of this critical campaign in the new year. To kick off her tenure, a/perture will host a special screening of Dyer’s favorite film, Casablanca, on December 18. This event will also serve as a meet-and-greet opportunity between Dyer and the community members who support this cherished venue. More details can be found on the organization’s website.
Founded in 2010, a/perture cinema has become a cornerstone of downtown Winston-Salem, playing a vital role in the city’s cultural revitalization. However, like many independent theaters, it has faced challenges, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and shifts in audience preferences following the pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Dyer and the board are committed to ensuring a/perture’s sustainability as a nonprofit organization.
“[W]e still have work to do to ensure our role as a sustainable nonprofit for years to come,” emphasized Janice Tsoules, chair of a/perture’s board of directors. She encouraged continued support through donations, memberships, or simply by enjoying a film at the theater.
In a world where independent art spaces are increasingly valuable, a/perture cinema invites everyone to join its mission to promote and cultivate independent filmmaking. It’s an exciting time for this vibrant community hub, and support from patrons will be crucial in shaping its future.
#BusinessNews #Lifestyle #Entertainment
