The Grand Cinema is the South Sound's nonprofit home for independent, international, and local film. As the only nonprofit cinema in Pierce County, we are committed to enhancing the cultural vitality of the community through quality film and educational programming.
OUR MISSIONWe achieve our mission through these objectives:
Encouraging passion for film for all audiences
Providing a high-quality theater experience
Educating the community about film
STATEMENT OF EQUITY & INCLUSION
Our mission guides The Grand Cinema to extend opportunities to our community, volunteers, patrons, and staff regardless of race, sex, age, orientation, gender identity, religion, veteran or marital status, national origin, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic class, ability, or professional status.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are active processes that require continuous commitment. We believe an inclusionary approach to programming, engagement, planning, and access is an asset that enriches our individual and organizational ability to celebrate and learn from all voices, perspectives, and methods.
In principle and practice, The Grand works collaboratively to encourage participation by underrepresented groups and individuals at all levels, and to explore new opportunities for community collaboration. In presenting the art of independent, international, and local film, The Grand Cinema serve to deepen compassion and understanding; honor freedom of expression; challenge and dismantle systemic oppression; create environments enriched with diverse views and people; and help the development of socially responsible leaders and citizens.
We believe film is transformative and empowers patrons, students, and filmmakers to become engaged, compassionate citizens and artists.
We champion equitable cinema experiences and films that represent diverse communities around the world.
We act courageously and openly with respect for the knowledge and experience of others.
We implement our values together with staff, board, volunteers, and community members to nurture, develop, and advocate for film.
Our values are realized through or by:
Fostering a culture of open-mindedness and compassion.
Building a community whose members have diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Providing leadership in the development, implementation, and assessment of programs and services.
Promoting social justice and diversity in Grand activities, and coordinating educational resources and opportunities for staff and volunteers.
Reaching beyond The Grand to establish relationships with partners who share mutual values.
The Grand Cinema has a rich history established by a small band of community organizers and made possible by many dedicated volunteers who have shaped our history and helped the cinema thrive since its inception as a non-profit nearly two decades ago. The Grand opened as a nonprofit in 1997 with only two paid staff and a group of volunteers. Since that humble start, we have continued to add quality programming, film festivals, filmmaker outreach, community events, education programs, and talented staff and volunteers to our ranks.
