Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater has been awarded a $1 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in support of the Level Nine Initiative, conceptualized by artistic director Joseph Haj.

The initiative will lay the groundwork for establishing a theatrical hub on the Guthrie’s ninth floor, now home to a 200-seat theatre. The space will be dedicated to productions that inspire dialogue, represent a diverse range of voices and engage the community – with pre- or post-show events organized around each performance.

Ticket prices for all performances on Level Nine will be set at a discounted rate of $9, allowing greater access for all members of the community.

“In today’s world we face increasingly complex questions, yet we have fewer places where we can come together as a community to grapple with and address them. With this funding we are afforded the opportunity to be nimble and responsive to what’s happening in the world around us,” commented Haj in a statement.

The grant will be distributed over a three-year period, beginning with the 2016-17 season.

For more information on The Guthrie, visit guthrietheater.org.