The People’s Theatre has received a $1 million gift from John Gore, chairman and CEO of the John Gore Organization (the parent company of Broadway News) and owner of Broadway.com. Founded in Washington Heights and Inwood, the People’s Theatre is now in its 17th season and, according to its website, is the largest performing arts organization in Manhattan north of Harlem. The People’s Theatre programming includes theatrical productions, a theater-based leadership program for young artists and a school-based initiative focused on cultural expression.
Gore’s donation brings the organization’s campaign for the new Centro Cultural Inmigrante to $38 million. The campaign has a $40 million goal, leaving $2 million remaining as the organization enters the final phase of fundraising. The Centro Cultural Inmigrante is scheduled to open in September 2026 in Inwood.
The project represents a combination of public and private investment. Funding to date includes $25.675 million from the City of New York, $6.456 million from New York state, $1.5 million from NewYork-Presbyterian and a $1 million leadership gift from the Miranda family, along with contributions from foundations.
“With extraordinary support from the City and State of New York, cultural leaders like John Gore and institutional partners like Broadway.com, we are now in the final stretch of bringing the Centro Cultural Inmigrante to life,” said Mino Lora, executive artistic director of the People’s Theatre, in a statement.
The Centro Cultural Inmigrante will serve as a theater, performing arts center and community hub designed to center immigrant communities. The center will offer theatrical performances that center and explore the breadth of immigrant experiences represented in New York City, as well as live music, dance, film screenings and other civic and community events. For children and families, the center will offer classes, festivals, and student matinees field trips. The facility will support original productions, artist development, youth programming and community engagement, with a focus on expanding access to the arts in Northern Manhattan.
“Broadway.com and I are proud to support the People’s Theatre and their vision for serving the local community,” Gore said in a statement. “Projects like this remind us what theater is really about: culture, connection and creating a space for all voices to be heard.”
Construction on the facility is nearing completion. The People’s Theatre is seeking additional partners to close the remaining funding gap and support the center’s opening.
“This is a defining moment for our organization and our community,” said People’s Theatre board president Zahira Perez in a statement. “We are calling on individuals, foundations and corporate partners to join us in completing this effort and help to open the doors of the Centro Cultural Inmigrante this fall.”
According to the organization, the final phase of fundraising will support subsidized access for community partners and establish operational reserves for long-term sustainability.
The John Gore Organization presents and markets Broadway theater worldwide, with operations across North America, Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan and China. Its affiliated companies include Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, the Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands.
