Forest Forward recently welcomed neighbors to its new headquarters — the former liquor store across from the theater on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, which the South Dallas nonprofit purchased in 2022. The community meeting was designed for residents, rather than media or city officials, so that organizers could share updates on the restoration of the historic Forest Theater and the expansion of Martin Luther King Jr. Arts Academy, introduce Nijeul X as the organization’s new artistic director, and invite community feedback.
Elizabeth Wattley, president and CEO of Forest Forward, shared that most of Forest Forward’s work so far has been in fundraising efforts. The organization announced a $75 million goal in November 2021 and has raised $35 million to date, including $8 million from the City of Dallas and $4 million from in Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding.
Plans for Forest Theater include a 1,000 seat concert-hall –– but Wattley emphasized it will not be limited to live performances. They are sourcing high-quality equipment to be able to host screenings and welcome film festivals as well, she says. The layout also will include a rooftop space overlooking downtown with a 13,000-square-foot café and a 25,000-square-foot outdoor plaza…