Marfa Public Radio launched a $5 million capital campaign on Wednesday to acquire and revitalize the historic Crowley Theater in West Texas.
Marfa Public Radio Seeks $5 Million for Theater Purchase
- Marfa Public Radio aims to raise $5 million and close on the theater purchase by the end of the year.
- The acquisition creates a new revenue source for the nonprofit station following the loss of federal funding in 2025.
- Supporters contributing $2,000 through the “Take Your Seat” fundraiser can secure a personalized theater seat.
Campaign Launch for the Historic Feed Store Turn
Marfa Public Radio announced the launch of Next Stage on Wednesday morning, according to the Big Bend Sentinel. The public radio organization aims to secure the landmark venue to preserve a community gathering place and expand live programming across Far West Texas.
The campaign carries an initial fundraising goal of $5 million. Station leadership plans to use the funds to purchase the property, execute necessary building improvements, and acquire equipment required to run a sustainable venue.
Tim Crowley purchased the former feed store on South Austin Street in Marfa in 1998. He subsequently transformed the property into a nonprofit venue hosting diverse arts and entertainment programming.
Tim Crowley said he has been very proud of the contributions that the theater has made to Marfa over the last 28 years, and he has every reason to believe that will continue under the stewardship of Marfa Public Radio.
Sustaining Independent Media After Federal Funding Loss
The capital push arrives after Marfa Public Radio faced the loss of federal funding in 2025. Station organizers intend for the historic venue to function as a dependable revenue stream moving forward.
Crowley said that keeping the space operational for local organizations was a primary objective during sale negotiations. The venue has long served as a leading local site for lectures, film screenings, and public gatherings.
“It has been the go-to venue for many of the nonprofits in town over a very long period of time,” Crowley told the Big Bend Sentinel. “And it has resources that are unique in the town for lectures and films, all those types of things. It’s important to me that it continues.”
Board leadership emphasized the role the property has played in the cultural fabric of the region. Station officials point to the venue as a physical anchor for community connection.
Marfa Public Radio Board President Mike Pacheco, Vice President Lorri Kershner, and Secretary/Treasurer Jeremy Steele said in a joint statement that for 20 years, Marfa Public Radio has connected the communities of Far West Texas through independent journalism, music, and storytelling.
Campaigners Aim to Close Crowley Theater Purchase by Year End
Campaign organizers aim to close the purchase of the Crowley Theater by the end of the year. Randy Ham is serving as the campaign’s spokesperson and capital campaign consultant.
To accelerate fundraising, the station introduced the “Take Your Seat” initiative. Donors who contribute $2,000 receive a dedicated theater seat featuring personalized recognition in their own name or in honor of another individual.
| Campaign Detail | Target / Parameter |
|---|---|
| Fundraising Goal | $5 million |
| Acquisition Target Date | End of the year |
| Named Seat Contribution | $2,000 |
| Original Property Purchase | 1998 |
“Take Your Seat gives supporters a personal way to become part of the theater’s future,” Ham said. “Whether you’re honoring someone special, celebrating your connection to Marfa, or simply helping preserve a place where stories are shared, your gift becomes part of something much larger.”
The campaign accepts gifts of any size. Interested supporters can review participation details and make donations directly through the station’s dedicated project page at marfapublicradio.org/nextstage.
