JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation donates J$1.5m to support Little Theatre restoration

The JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the JMMB Group, has donated J$1.5 million towards the restoration and preservation of the historic Little Theatre, supporting the purchase of a digital sound board system, as part of a broader effort to modernise one of Jamaica’s most important cultural institutions.

The contribution forms part of the foundation’s commitment to nation-building and community transformation, and reflects its belief in the power of culture, education and creativity to uplift lives and strengthen communities.

For more than 60 years, the Little Theatre has served as Jamaica’s premier performance venue, providing a stage for community groups, performing artistes, dance companies, choirs, schools and cultural organisations from across the island. Established in 1962, the same year Jamaica gained Independence, the facility has played a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Currently, however, the theatre is undergoing a major restoration initiative to address decades of wear and tear and modernise its infrastructure for future generations.

The digital sound board system, funded by the foundation, will replace an outdated analogue system that can no longer adequately support modern productions. As a result, organisations using the venue have been forced to rent sound equipment, at significant additional expense. The new system will help improve production quality, reduce operating costs, and enhance the overall experience for performers and audiences alike.

Beyond supporting performances, the new equipment will also serve an important educational purpose. The Little Theatre Foundation plans to use the upgraded technology as part of its training and theatre education programme, providing community groups and young people with opportunities to develop skills in lighting and sound engineering, creating pathways to careers in theatre technology and the wider creative industries.

Donna Duncan-Scott, group chief culture and human development officer at JMMB Group, said the donation reflects the foundation’s commitment to preserving institutions that play a critical role in Jamaica’s cultural development.

IMPORTANT SPACE

“The Little Theatre is such an important space, critical to supporting the wider performing arts community that spans all ages and stages, while helping to preserve and celebrate Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage. By supporting this restoration effort, we are not only helping to improve a treasured national institution but also investing in the next generation of creative talent who will continue to shape and strengthen Jamaican culture for years to come.”

Kim Mair, CEO of JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, added: “At the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, we believe that cultural institutions play a vital role in transforming lives and strengthening communities. Our support for the Little Theatre aligns with our commitment to education, empowerment and nation-building, as this investment will not only enhance a cherished cultural space but also create opportunities for skills development and career pathways in the creative industries. By helping to equip the theatre for the future, we are supporting both the preservation of Jamaica’s cultural legacy and the development of the talent that will carry it forward.”

The Little Theatre Movement 2022 Foundation, which is leading the restoration project, describes the initiative as a vital national investment aimed at preserving Jamaica’s largest functioning theatre and ensuring it remains accessible to communities throughout the island. The restoration will ultimately transform the facility from an analogue space into a modern creative hub capable of supporting performances, training programmes, archives and future digital opportunities.

In a communiqué, the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation said that they view the arts “as a powerful vehicle for education, self-expression, economic opportunity and national development. Their support for the Little Theatre reflects its broader focus on fostering transformation through initiatives that strengthen communities, inspire creativity and improve quality of life.”

As work continues, the foundation said that it hopes their contribution will encourage other organisations and individuals to support the preservation of this treasured Jamaican landmark.