The past 5 years have brought unprecedented cuts to non-profit arts funding from federal, state and private sources. The Hipp, along with our peer arts organizations, have been surviving the economic downturn, and continue to adapt to this new economic climate through strategic cuts and cost-saving measures. 

The Hipp reaches out now to our community with a request for everyone’s full support to “KEEP GAINESVILLE HIPP.” 

FUNDING CUTS: PAST 5 YEARS

The Hipp's current financial crisis has been growing unabated during the nationwide economic recession. 

• Annual grant support is down $559,000, a 40% reduction over the past 5 years 

The Hippodrome’s Education Department has been impacted by the elimination of grants. 

• 2009-2010 season: Received $280,000 in educational grants.

• 2012-2013 season: Received $130,000 in educational grants.

• 2013-2014 season: Received no funding from educational grants.

HIPPODROME RESPONSE TO FUNDING CHALLENGES

In light of these challenges, the Hipp has taken measures to reduce expenditures in every area of the theatre. Over the past 5 years, the Hipp has eliminated and/left vacant 14 full-time positions. These positions include Cinema Manager, Grants Administrator, Fiscal Assistant, Director of Education, 3 teachers, Properties Designer, Lighting Designer, Marketing Director, Art Gallery Coordinator, and Bar Manager. 

Despite these cuts, the Hipp has leveraged the creativity, resourcefulness, and tireless work ethic of the employees, guest artists, and volunteers to provide enhanced offerings and community engagement. 

Hippodrome programming has also been impacted through the loss of grant and private funding. The Hippodrome Improvisational Teen Theatre (HITT) program was defunded in 2013, and prior to that, the Teen Playwright Festival, Senior Playwright Festival, and One City, One Story projects were defunded.

HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION CAN HELP!

Every dollar counts! Tickets and earned income account for less than 50% of the Hipp's revenue. We need your support to continue operating through the end of the 2013-2014 season! Help us continue to provide award-winning programming for children, keep theatre accessable, maintain broad access to classes and special events, and support our community of artists and designers. 

Whether you have $10 or $10,000 to contribute, we need your support to keep downtown Gainesville alive and thriving with theatre, events, classes and film. For the past 41 years, the people of Gainesville have shown their support for the arts and everything Hipp, and despite the recent economic downturn and cuts in grants, we challenge everyone to “Keep Gainesville Hipp” by contributing to the campaign today. 

As the Hippodrome faces financial challenges in the coming months, Linda McGurn, the Treasurer of the Hippodrome Board of Trustees, together with her husband Ken McGurn, have pledged $25,000 to offset expenses for the Hippodrome’s 2014 season with part being a match for a new capital campaign to “Keep Gainesville Hipp”. This generous pledge has been matched by Nathan and Ani Collier.

The Hippodrome’s continued success is intrinsic to the value of Gainesville’s quality of life, as well as our future as a vital and competitive marketplace for new industry and innovation. For over 40 years, this community has supported and sustained the Hippodrome, as the institution grew from humble beginnings to an established, nationally known non-profit organization in the heart of downtown.

Be Part of our Hipp Future!

THE HIPPODROME HAS SOLUTIONS - BUT WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

• Strategic hires to maximize efficiencies, revenue, and engagement including a grants administrator, marketing director, and production manager.

• Maximizing earned income through increased facility rentals. 

• Partnering with peer performing arts organizations for co-productions and benefits.

• Equipment upgrades for improved efficiencies, communications, and production values.

• Improved ticketing software for increased online, box office, and social media sales.

• Rebuild a cash reserve.

Other Ways You Can Help

Please help us continue to spread the word by sharing with you friends, family and the entire Gainesville community!