Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute has received the largest pledge in its history, $10-million from the businessman Nicholas Karabots, The Philadelphia Inquirer writes.
The donation puts the science center within $6-million of its $64.7-million campaign goal to fund an addition and other upgrades.
The new wing will be named for Mr. Karabots and his wife, Athena, and house exhibits on the brain and neuroscience as well as conference and classroom facilities.
Mr. Karabots, a South Bronx native who made a fortune in printing supplies and property development, said he was inspired to make the gift when he visited the institute “and saw what they were doing with all these kids. I went up to the observatory and there were four inner-city kids who were spending a year learning astronomy. I was impressed.”
In other arts news:
• Washington’s historic Lincoln Theatre could close by the end of the year with the loss of annual City Hall subsidies, reports the Associated Press.
The Lincoln, located on the U Street strip once known as the “Black Broadway,” has only $50,000 on hand, less than its monthly operating costs. The nonprofit group that leases the city-owned theater has long received $250,000 a year from the city, but D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has said continued public support is “unsustainable.”
Opened in 1922 and restored in 1994, the Lincoln has hosted performances by Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole. The theater’s board has appealed to Mr. Gray for a $500,000 infusion and is also seeking new donors.
• The Philadelphia Orchestra is asking a court for permission to borrow $3.1-million to sustain operations through the end of its bankruptcy proceedings, says The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In a bankruptcy-court filing the organization said it “will be forced to cease operations” without borrowing money.
Orchestra officials said it is paying its debts but needs the new money to cover operating costs such as leases and salaries. Such loans are common in bankruptcy cases.
