Performing Arts Centers of Key West (PACKW), the nonprofit organization that operates the Tennessee Williams Theatre at College of the Florida Keys, and KeysTix, has entered into discussions with the nonprofit Key West Film Society (KWFS), which runs Tropic Cinema, to explore strategic opportunities between PACKW and Tropic Cinema, the Florida Keys’ only nonprofit art-house cinema.
The discussions follow a recognition by both organizations that Tropic Cinema’s long-term future — and the health of Key West’s arts and cultural sector — would be strengthened by unified nonprofit leadership with the operational scale and infrastructure to sustain it.
If an agreement is reached, PACKW would take on responsibility for the operation of Tropic Cinema at 416 Eaton St., while preserving its identity, programming mission and its place as a cultural institution in Key West. The Key West Film Society’s founding mission — to exhibit, promote and celebrate independent, foreign, documentary, classic and culturally significant films — would be central to any future arrangement.
“The Tropic Cinema is a major part of Key West’s cultural identity,” said Matthew Rawls, executive director of Performing Arts Centers of Key West. “We believe that bringing Tropic Cinema within PACKW’s stewardship would allow us to protect and grow its mission for the long term, while giving it the support it needs to thrive. We are committed to preserving everything that makes Tropic Cinema special.”
Tropic Cinema has served Key West for more than two decades, presenting independent,
documentary, international and classic films and providing a gathering place for
film lovers throughout the community.
The Performing Arts Centers of Key West oversees the Tennessee Williams Theatre and
operates KeysTix, a ticketing and promotional platform, and has the
organizational capacity to support expanded arts programming across Monroe County.
