Aderholt Announces $750,000 ARC Grant for Cullman Community Theater Project

Cullman, Ala — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced a $750,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to the City of Cullman to support the renovation of a new community theater in the city’s downtown district.

The funding will be matched by $750,000 in local investment, bringing the total project cost to $1.5 million.

“This is a tremendous investment in Cullman and in the future of our local economy,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Projects like this community theater will not only enhance quality of life for residents, but also attract visitors, support small businesses, and continue the strong momentum we’ve seen in downtown Cullman.”

The project will convert a vacant church, previously home to a congregation that disbanded several years ago, into a 6,050-square-foot Community Theater Center featuring a 200-seat performance hall, stage, dressing rooms, and event space. 

Cullman has seen a surge in tourism in recent years, with more than 800,000 visitors traveling to the downtown district in the past year—a 200 percent increase in foot traffic. The new theater is expected to further boost economic activity and support the 35 nearby businesses in the area.

Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs expressed appreciation for the federal, state, and local partnership behind the project. “We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Robert Aderholt, his team, and ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell for their support in securing this ARC grant. This investment allows us to preserve an important historic space while expanding opportunities for the arts in Cullman. It represents a meaningful step forward in enhancing quality of life and building on the momentum we’re seeing across our community.”

Nathan Anderson, Executive Director of Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism, emphasized the broader community impact. “This investment opens the door to something special for our community—providing a dedicated home for our community band, theatre, and choir while allowing us to expand programming alongside our festivals. It creates a stage to showcase some of Cullman’s greatest talent. It also supports year-round experiences that enhance quality of life for our residents and draw visitors from across the region. We are incredibly grateful to all who helped make this possible.”

“I appreciate ARC’s continued commitment to strengthening economic development in North Alabama,” Aderholt added. “This project is a great example of how strategic investments can transform communities and create lasting opportunities.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership that works to drive economic growth and improve quality of life across Appalachia.

For more information on the ARC and its programs, visit www.arc.gov.

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