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JUST ANNOUNCED: President & CEO Anne Ewers delivers President’s Address unveiling new community initiatives. More info @ kimmelcenter.org
Press Contact:
Amanda Conte
215-790-5847
aconte@kimmelcenter.org
KIMMEL CENTER PRESIDENT & CEO ANNE EWERS ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR 2016–17 SEASON, HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CENTER’S LAST 15 YEARS, AND REVEALS NEW SIGNATURE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES DURING SEASON KICKOFF PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, September 9, 2016) –– Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts President & CEO Anne Ewers announced plans for the Center’s new community initiatives and ambitious goals for the future during the second annual “President’s Address” this morning. During a speech delivered to more than 300 business and civic leaders, Board members, and key community stakeholders, Ewers detailed plans to build upon Philadelphia’s already vibrant cultural scene.
“This year marks the exciting 15th anniversary season for the Kimmel Center,” said Ewers. “As we commemorate this milestone, we also celebrate all of the other unique parts that make us a lively, dynamic campus for creativity. We have 9,000 seats per night serving more than 1 million guests per year with myriad cultural activities taking place at the Academy of Music, the Merriam Theater, and the venues under our grand glass roof.”
During her address, Ewers attributed the Center’s financial stability for the past seven years to the generosity of individual donors and corporate partners. She also credited strong and varied programming that serves Philadelphia’s broad community and diverse new ways the community is using the Center’s campus.
“This cultural campus is home to more than 650 events per year,” Ewers continued. “There is a remarkable ownership by our Resident Companies, artists, staff, audiences, and community members – many of whom have a story to tell about their Kimmel Center ‘ah-ha’ moments and memories.”
Examples of moments and memories included 70 brides and grooms that held their weddings at Kimmel Center venues; stories of students who participated in the Show Stoppers Musical Theater education program; and an increase in new experiences across the Campus through events like film screenings, festivals, graduations, flea markets, charity events, and more.
During the President’s Address, Ewers unveiled new initiatives and highlights for the 2016/17 season including:
- Teacher Appreciation Program
- The Kimmel Center will give away 1,000 tickets to teachers in Philadelphia and will offer a 35% discount to all educators
- Technology Art Classes
- In addition to the Center’s 10 distinct arts education programs, two new music technology classes have been added to the roster which will use cutting-edge software and methods to teach students the basics of music technology and digital music.
- Distance Learning Program
- Through classroom technology and streamed content, this program will expand the Center’s reach to schools farther away and those unable to come to the Campus.
- Jazz Standards Education Program
- The new Jazz Standards program will bring Kimmel Center’s resident jazz artists to local elementary, middle, and high schools to work with students throughout the year.
- Partnership with Broad Street Ministry
- Unique new partnership in which Kimmel Center teaching artist Jennifer Blaine held a series of special improv classes to help Broad Street Ministry residents share their stories which are seldom heard.
- Extension of Show Stoppers Free After School Program
- In the 2016–17 season, the Center’s successful after school program Show Stoppers will be extended into the summer to serve more students.
- Art-Reach Ticket Pledge
- The Kimmel Center has pledged nearly 600 tickets for the 2016–17 season, valued at more than $30,000, to Art-Reach constituents to increase cultural participation for those with disabilities as well as the low-income sectors.
- Season Highlights
- Upcoming performers form an illustrious lineup including Smokey Robinson, Roseanne Cash, Carol Burnett, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Lewis Black, Cat Stevens, The Second City, Jerry Blavat, the best of Broadway, and more!
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, The Kimmel Center’s mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience through diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel Center campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music (owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the University of the Arts’ Merriam Theater. The Kimmel Center is also home to eight Resident Companies: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly Pops, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Curtis Institute of Music. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of the Kimmel Center’s 2016-2017 Season. American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit kimmelcenter.org.
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