A/perture Cinema in Winston-Salem at risk of closing after founder resigns

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — A unique business in downtown Winston-Salem could close by the beginning of 2025 after the founder resigned, according to a statement released Monday by the board of directors.

A/perture Cinema Founder and Executive Director Lawren Desai worked on the art house cinema’s behalf for 17 years. Desai will still work as executive director until the end of 2024. The search for her replacement is ongoing.

The cinema is a nonprofit and only has funds to last through December. A/perture officials are now calling on the community for help keeping the cinema running.

“In the short term, we have an immediate goal of raising $100,000 by December 31 to continue day-to-day operations into 2025. Longer-term, we have created a plan to ensure the sustainability of a/perture, but that relies on continued community support,” the statement released Monday reads.

Visit the A/perture Cinema website to donate.

The full statement is provided below:

With a mixture of sadness and gratitude we accept the voluntary resignation of our founder, Executive Director, and Curator of a/perture cinema, Lawren Desai. Lawren has worked tirelessly for 17 years to establish and operate the only dedicated year-round art house cinema in the Piedmont Triad. Her dedication and efforts are truly astonishing. a/perture has been a cornerstone of our local arts scene, providing a vibrant space for artistic expression, community gatherings, and the appreciation of diverse cinematic experiences since opening in 2010.

The decision to leave was Lawren’s, and we extend our utmost appreciation to her. She will remain in her role until the end of the year and help transition her responsibilities to current staff and interim leadership during that time. The search for Lawren’s successor is currently underway.

Unfortunately, Lawren’s departure comes at a critical time for the theater’s existence: as a non-profit, the organization only has funds to continue operations through December of 2024. We are at an alarming juncture, and we call on you, our a/perture community, for your support.

We urgently ask for your assistance in preserving a/perture as it is: a truly unique cultural destination, community resource, and venue for artistic expression and experience. The cessation of a/perture’s operations from the “City of Arts and Innovation” would be a devastating loss to our arts community, our tourism efforts, and our evolving downtown.

In the short term, we have an immediate goal of raising $100,000 by December 31 to continue day-to-day operations into 2025. Longer-term, we have created a plan to ensure the sustainability of a/perture, but that relies on continued community support.

A/perture Cinema board of directors

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