IOKA in the News

Follow our quest! You can find articles tracking our progress in the following publications:

IOKA in the Boston Globe

July 19, 2009

Filmmaker looks to future to preserve the Ioka's past

By Joel Brown
Globe Correspondent

EXETER — The latest plan to reboot the historic Ioka theater bridges the silent film and Internet eras.

Filmmaker Marc Murai wants to turn the closed downtown landmark into the Ioka Digital and Performing Arts Community Center, offering movies, live performances, classes, and workshops in a venue that embraces both its old carbon-rod projector and the latest plasma-screen technology.

"We want to honor the past ... but look forward to the future," said Murai.

He calls the tin-ceilinged Ioka "a magical place" and envisions it busy much of the day, whether with kids learning to edit digital video on an in-house computer system, local bands practicing, or adults watching satellite broadcasts of plays and musical events.

FULL ARTICLE at www.boston.com

December 21, 2008

Landmark looking for a lifeline

Donors sought to run historic Ioka theater as nonprofit

By Joel Brown
Globe Correspondent

More than 1,200 people have joined an online discussion group to help save the historic Ioka theater in Exeter, N.H., but it's going to take a lot more than mouse clicks.

Joe Pace formed the Facebook group just after Thanksgiving. "There is definitely some enthusiasm out there," he said. Now he has started an informal study group in the real world, with expertise in areas like architecture and facilities management, to consider saving the downtown landmark.

Before they even try, though, they will determine whether running the 415-seat Ioka as a nonprofit is a viable idea, Pace said. The question is, "Can we develop a business plan that we feel good about going to major donors with?" he said.

They would have to raise roughly $1 million to purchase and as much as another million to renovate the 55 Water St. venue, he said. For inspiration they look to the Portsmouth Music Hall, which is run by a nonprofit organization. But Patricia Lynch, the Music Hall's executive director, said it's not an easy route.

FULL ARTICLE at www.boston.com