DVAA Receives $99,000 State Grant for Tusten Theatre Audio and Cinema Upgrades

NARROWSBURG, N.Y. — The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance has been awarded $99,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts to support a major upgrade of the audio and visual systems at the Tusten Theatre.

The funding is part of a statewide capital projects initiative that awarded more than $82 million to 132 arts and cultural facilities across New York.

According to DVAA, the project, known as Tusten Theatre Audio & Cinema Systems 2.0, will include a new sound system, movie screen and projector. The upgrades are expected to enhance the theater’s capabilities for film screenings, live performances and community events.

Work is expected to begin as soon as possible, with organizers aiming to have the improvements completed in time for several major events, including the Big Eddy Film Festival in September and the three-day Tusten Jazz Festival in November.

“The Tusten Theatre is a cherished performing arts venue in our region,” DVAA Executive Director Ariel Shanberg said in a statement. “Its stage and screen have hosted countless memorable events.”

Shanberg said the new equipment will provide audiences with “cutting-edge immersive cinematic and live performance experiences” while giving artists improved technical capabilities.

The grant represents the first major capital investment in the theater since 1989, when DVAA renovated the facility in partnership with the Town of Tusten and the Sullivan County Department of Planning.

“We are truly grateful to Governor Hochul’s administration and the New York State Council on the Arts for the unique support this grant represents and its impact on our greater community,” Shanberg said.

The Tusten Theatre hosts film screenings, concerts, performing arts events and community programs throughout the year in Narrowsburg.