The campaign was kick-started with an initial donation of $50,000 from the Criterion and Janus, and they are inviting friends of independent theaters and art houses everywhere to join them in this fundraising effort.
The fund is being administered by the Art House Convergence, a nonprofit association dedicated to sustainability in a community-based, mission-driven media exhibition.
The intention of this fund is to ensure that art houses are able to reopen when safe to do so.
With many theaters facing shutdowns around the world amidst pandemic concerns, art houses are at the most risk of permanent closures, but Janus Films and Criterion Collection have partnered up to establish The Art-House America Campaign relief fund to help support over 150 independent theaters across the states.