Future of the Greenport Movie Theater

A Message from the North Fork Arts Center

The Greenport Movie Theater has been owned by Josh Sapan for the past 18 years. Josh has announced that he would like it to transition to a new owner. He’s put it on the market for $5.5M. Most likely for it to become a hotel. However, Josh has also indicated that he is willing to gift the building to a 501c3 which, if formed, would sustain an ongoing movie theater, community arts center, and events space there.

Former Orient resident Tony Spiridakis is spearheading the effort to create this entity, currently named the North Fork Arts Center. For a number of years Tony has run a donation-funded winter film series in the building, as well as held programs and screenings for the Manhattan Film Institute summer filmmaking program. Josh has agreed to make this gift once the NFAC is formed and can show $1M in pledges. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to create a cultural anchor on the North Fork. A place to screen first run films, independent films, hold concerts, conferences, and community events.

Here is an article from last week’s Suffolk Times: https://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2023/01/as-historic-theater-is-listed-for-5-5m-an-effort-mounts-to-save-it/

Also, here is the fledgling website for the North Fork Arts Center: https://nofoartscenter.org/

There is a pledge form at the bottom of the website. There is also a contact number if you have questions. Pledged funds will be collected once the center moves forward.

Thank you for your attention and interest in creating a vibrant arts center in Greenport!