What does it take to keep audiences safe at the second largest performing arts center in the country? Three words — A Safety Man.
Meet Matt Suydam, our Senior Director of Facilities & Security, as well as our in-house “Safety Man.” Matt has spent his entire career making sure people are safe by performing and overseeing regular preventative maintenance of all operations. His experience shows his vast range of knowledge — from nine years in the Navy as a certified deep sea diver to managing campgrounds for the Girls Scouts, being in charge of operations at a school district and maintaining animal habitats at the Philadelphia Zoo for 19 years. His expansive knowledge and experience have been vital during this time as the Kimmel Cultural Campus works to test and upgrade our HVAC systems to meet all city, state, and CDC guidelines.
The Kimmel Cultural Campus always put the safety of our patrons, artists, and staff first. We are so eager to welcome our audiences back safely, so we have been implementing new safety measures based on guidance from health authorities and government agencies. This includes not only the work completed in the Healthy Ventilation Initiative, but also the development of a Robust Safety Policy, increased Cleaning & Sanitation Procedures, and Mask Enforcement, if recommended by local and national guidelines.
Click each photo below to hear from Matt himself about his background and the work being done to upgrade the Kimmel Cultural Campus HVAC system.
Meet Matt Suydam — The Safety Man
Upgrading Our HVAC System
Thank you to our reopening partner PNC Arts Alive for their continued support. Learn more about our Safe & Clean Commitment.