(June 15, 2015) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Ford is building on its strong commitment to the arts by contributing $500,000 to The Ark, Michigan’s iconic folk and roots music venue celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Ark will recognize this commitment from Ford with the naming of the Ford Listening Room at The Ark.

“The Ark is a cultural treasure, not just for southeast Michigan, but for musicians around the world,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, the charitable arm of Ford Motor Company. “Our contribution will help ensure The Ark remains a vibrant home for performers and an important community resource.”

Ford first started supporting The Ark in 1991. The $500,000 contribution, which is coming from both Ford Motor Company and the Ford Motor Company Fund, is part of a $2.5 million capital campaign to fund the purchase and renovations of the club’s 400-seat venue. The money from the campaign will also be used to lay the ground work for increased community outreach activities.

“Ford is a long-standing partner and truly values The Ark’s mission,” said Marianne James, executive director of The Ark. “This is a transformational gift. It helps safeguard our mission for future generations and supports us in expanding what The Ark can provide to Michigan and the music world.”

Founded in a house by four local churches in 1965, The Ark grew from a fireside gathering place for music and poetry near the University of Michigan campus into a regular stop for musicians ranging from Doc Watson to Patti Smith. The Ark moved to its current location at 316 S. Main Street in Ann Arbor in 1996 and purchased the space in 2012.The nonprofit venue hosts over 300 live shows a year.

Ford’s support for the arts, including folk music, dates back to Henry Ford, who sponsored fiddle contests in the 1920s. More recently, Ford Motor Company Fund has donated $150 million over 10 years to enrich the quality of life for people living in southeastern Michigan.

In addition to supporting major institutions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Ford this spring sponsored Detroit Boom City, a multi-media exhibition designed to show how artists can stimulate growth and sustainability in urban neighborhoods.