If you love having a community help that provides cultural and community programming alongside the ability to gather and share in food, drink conversation, play and enjoy, become a founding member of this important community hub.
As you know, the Big Picture theater and café had to close its door on November 9, 2024. But there is a lot of engagement in the community to see if it cannot become a collective community supported entity, that is run as a nonprofit organization, by an active board. Your contribution will allow for the purchase of the building and a continuation of all the things that we have loved about the Big Picture theater with some new and fresh elements of community involvement and programming. Please make a pledge today. This needs to be a collective effort. Below are various options of contributing. The future of this important community hub depends on you.
MAKE A PLEDGE
Please complete the form to apply for a position with us.
BIGGER PICTURE
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT
MissionThe Bigger Picture Cooperative’s mission is to protect for future generations the building and institution of Big Picture as a community resource that offers meaningful programming and a soulful gathering space by providing food, movies and events. Bigger Picture is committed to maintain the inclusive, diverse and friendly community atmosphere and content for the benefit of its shareholders, personnel, and all patrons.
Vision
Today and into the future, Bigger Picture will be the unique and classic community gathering place that it has been for the past 20 years, continuing to provide:
● A cafe with healthy food options that invite all customers to gather, converse, share meals and drinks
● Two movie theaters, one of which is a multi purpose room with 40 permanents seats and an additional 40 folding chairs and tables, couches and side table
● An outdoor sitting area with tables, chairs and outdoor furniture
● An emphasis on being a local gathering place with a soulful and independent personality, look, and feel
● A safe environment with services and an atmosphere appealing to all peoples and families
● A non-commercial atmosphere with a welcoming personality that provides an escape from hectic, commercial stresses and pressures
The Cooperative will be comprised of old and new members of the broader Mad River Valley who take pride in a sense of ownership, participate in Cooperative decision-making, and pass on their love of the Bigger Picture to future generations.
Our owners will be joined in preserving and protecting this important community institution by an active board, an advisory board and various committees that provide effective and innovative operational management to the Cooperative focused on providing an excellent customer experience.
Values
The Cooperative respects and cherishes the commitment to a soulful community space with a variety of content that allows all members of the community to come together in affordable and accessible ways to all.
The Cooperative values:
● Preserving and protecting the Bigger Picture community experience
● Practicing social and ecological responsibility, committing to mindful use of resources, materials, and offering livable wages to its paid staff
● Promoting shareholders’ sense of passion, responsibility, and ownership by seeking their input, utilizing their skills and talents, and maintaining a democratic process
● Maintaining financial integrity, independence and sustainability
● Continuing self-determination and ownership of the institution as an important aspect of our community values
● Acting with honesty, fairness, and integrity towards our shareholders, employees, and vendors
Market
Bigger Picture’s current market is composed of loyal, dedicated customers and families who support our mission and share our vision and values. They celebrate community and culture as an integral part of the Mad River Valley’s unique quality of life experience, and enjoy a community that not only fosters this experience but also returns again and again, sustaining it for future generations.