SYDNEY AND ANDREW DAVIS FOUNDATION DONATE $1 MILLION TO THE NDI NEW MEXICO HILAND THEATER PROJECT
Donation Made to Renovate, Complete and Support the Hiland Theater and NDI Programs in Albuquerque
EMBARGOED PRESS RELEASE: November 10, 2011, 8:30AM MDT
Albuquerque, New Mexico: Today is was announced by NDI New Mexico and the Sydney and Andrew
Davis Foundation that Sydney and Andrew Davis will donate $1Million toward the renovation,
completion and future support of the Hiland Theater Project in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The announcement was made today at a business gathering at the under-construction Hiland Theater with some 65 Albuquerque business leaders in attendance and alongside New Mexico Economic Development Cabinet Secretary John Barela, Bernalillo County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins, Albuquerque businessman Don Chalmers and NDI Board Chairman Jerry Landgraf receiving the contribution from Mr. Davis. The contribution signifies the beginning of the NDI Hiland Theater First 1000 Donor Challenge Campaign that
aims to cultivate 1000 new donors to NDI New Mexico and the Hiland project over the coming year.
“Sydney and I have been long time supporters of NDI and completely support their mission of using the
arts to build purpose and inspire self confidence and excellence in kids throughout New Mexico.The Hiland Theater Project broadens the impact of NDI to more kids who can benefit from its awardwinning programs and proven outcomes – ultimately benefiting all of New Mexico by shaping our kids and our communities in such a positive, validating and effective way, “ stated Andrew Davis.
In collaboration with Bernalillo County, NDI New Mexico is developing the historic Hiland Theater on
Central Avenue in Albuquerque. Once renovated, The Hiland Theater will be a vibrant, safe, inviting
space for Albuquerque children and families, a centerpiece in the revitalization of the Highland
neighborhood and a hub for Residency programs in the central/southern part of the state.
“Private-public partnerships, such as the Hiland Theater Project, offer an outstanding example of the
private sector working in collaboration with government to effectively reshape the redevelopment of our
communities,” stated New Mexico Cabinet Secretary for Economic Development Jon Barela. “It is my
hope that this gift by the Davises, who have so generously contributed to countless New Mexico charities,
organizations and worthy efforts for many years, will inspire and motivate the business community to join
in this extremely valuable revitalization of the Hiland Theater.”
About NDI New Mexico – Since 1994, NDI New Mexico has delivered programs that help New
Mexico’s children develop discipline, a standard of excellence and a belief in themselves that carries over
into all aspects of their lives. Our message to children is our Core 4: Work hard, Do your best, Never give
up and Be healthy. As a leader in providing children’s services, we work to develop healthy children who
become good citizens, employees and leaders. In 2011-2012, NDI New Mexico will partner with public
school districts and communities statewide to reach 6,600 children, 500 public school teachers and more
than 66,620 audience members. For more information, visit www.ndi-nm.org.
About Sydney and Andrew Davis Foundation – The Sydney and Andrew Davis Foundation is
primarily focused on guiding, encouraging and assisting New Mexico youth reach their life potential.
Press Contact: Michelle Hoeft, 505-310-5711
Press Release
January 20, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
U.S. Commerce Department Investment Helps to Create Jobs in Albuquerque’s Highland District
WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.5 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Bernalillo County and the National Dance Institute of Albuquerque, N.M., to renovate and expand the Hiland Theatre. The project is expected to create 500 jobs, according to grantee estimates.“The Commerce Department and the Obama administration are working diligently to bring jobs and economic growth to local communities,” Locke said. “This EDA grant will support job creation and business development in Albuquerque by helping to renovate a cultural landmark.”The redevelopment of the Hiland Theater in the Central Highland/Nob Hill district of Albuquerque will include renovations to a 600-seat multi-purpose theater, the lobby, and technical support areas. The updated space will serve as a base of operations for the National Dance Institute.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
Albuquerque, NM (January 15, 2009) – The State Board of Finance voted yes to leasing the Hiland Theater to the National Dance Institute of New Mexico (NDI-NM). The historic landmark, owned by Bernalillo County, will provide a permanent home for NDI-NM and once again bring life to the neighborhood as a vibrant community space. Its central location gives access to students across New Mexico to continue to be positively impacted by the program.

“Bernalillo County is very proud to be a part of NDI-NM’s promising future in our community,” says Deanna Archuleta, Commission Chair. “This organization knows no bounds when it comes to children and their potential and this expanded space, once renovations are complete, will allow NDI to grow.”
The Hiland Theater will undergo major renovations to be fully functional for the students and the programs NDI-NM offers. NDI-NM will be responsible for undertaking the responsibility of renovating all three spaces in the Hiland Theater. The estimated renovations will cost $9 million and include building a theater, offices and studios.
“The prospect of leasing the Hiland Theater was an opportunity we had to pursue,” said Russell Baker, executive director of NDI-NM. “It is an honor to call this historic theater our home. We’ve had programs in the Albuquerque schools for twelve years, and we look forward to expanding our programs to offer after school options.
NDI-NM‘s future plans for the Hiland will benefit more than just their organization. The permanent home provided by the Hiland will allow NDI-NM to undertake more collaborations and mission-based partnerships.
Currently NDI-NM offers residents of Bernalillo County over $500,000 in services. This figure will triple once the Hiland Theater is occupied. This expansion is the main initiative of the NDI-NM Long Range Plan, and carries the full backing of the Board of Directors.
The primary use of the Hiland Theater will be to provide much-needed space to offer after-school education and instruction for students ages 3-18 who reside in the county. The Hiland will also serve as a local base of operations, and a central location for training programs in the NDI methodology. In short, the Hiland will allow NDI-NM to address the ever-increasing demand for NDI-NM programs in Albuquerque and around the state.