ANSWERING the call to preserve one of Jamaica’s most treasured cultural institutions, the Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) has decided to become a key early supporter of the Little Theatre’s renovation project, undertaking the full restoration of the theatre’s stage flooring — an expenditure of just under $500,000.

Marisa Benain, executive director of the Little Theatre, underscored the importance of the renovation.

“The Little Theatre is the largest in-use theatre in the country, and this is why it’s so important for the space to be maintained at an acceptable standard for performers as well as our audience,” said Benain as she expressed gratitude for SVF’s investment in restoring the stage flooring.

“There is a long-standing history of the Supreme Ventures Foundation’s support of the creative industry, so I’m not surprised, but I’m still impressed that they came on board to support this project,” added Benain.

Work on the stage flooring is expected to restore full functionality to one of the most heavily used performance spaces in Jamaica, enhancing both rehearsal and performance experiences for groups including the National Pantomime, the National Dance Theatre Company, secondary school drama festivals, and the many others who call the Little Theatre home each year.

The Little Theatre project is the latest in a long line of SVF’s investments in the arts, which it regards as central to preserving Jamaican identity and nurturing local talent across music, dance, drama and the visual arts.

As Supreme Ventures this year marks 25 years of giving back, the initiative underscores the foundation’s belief that supporting culture is as vital to national development as its work in education, sport, health, and community empowerment.

“While the Supreme Ventures Foundation’s primary focus is community sustainability and supporting children in State care, we also invest heavily in health care, sports, the arts and culture. When we were asked to assist with this renovation project at the Little Theatre it felt only natural to provide our support as it aligns with our core mission,” said Heather Goldson, director of SVF.

According to Goldson, SVF support extends beyond this initial phase, with a firm commitment to see the project through to completion, reinforcing its role as a proudly Jamaican organisation dedicated to national development and cultural preservation.

She said the foundation will continue to work alongside the Little Theatre Movement and fellow corporate partners as the wider renovation project advances, with further updates to be shared as work progresses.

Established by the Little Theatre Movement (LTM) and officially opened on Tom Redcam Avenue in Kingston in 1961, the Little Theatre has stood for more than six decades as one of the island’s most important cultural institutions.

It is home to Jamaica’s National Pantomime -— a Christmas-season tradition dating back to 1941 that has shaped generations of the island’s actors, dancers, musicians and designers.

As the theatre does not receive government funding, it has long relied on ticket sales, rentals, and the generosity of corporate partners to maintain its facilities and continue serving the wider arts community.