Equitable pledges greatest annual corporate programmatic gift in Blumenthal Performing Arts history
June 13, 2023 / Blog
(June 13th, 2023) Charlotte, NC – Blumenthal Performing Arts announced that Equitable has increased its pledge of support for programming in the 2023–2024 season. This contribution marks the largest annual corporate programmatic gift Blumenthal has received to date.
For more than a decade, Equitable has been an invaluable partner of Blumenthal Performing Arts. Starting in 2020, prior to operations shuttering due to the pandemic, Equitable and the Equitable Foundation made a steadfast commitment to supporting accessible, professional arts programming for the Charlotte region by becoming the title sponsor of the Bravo Broadway Series, which brings some of Broadway’s most popular titles to Charlotte for audiences to enjoy. Since 2021, Equitable has also been the title sponsor of Blumenthal’s Arts Educator Network, a program dedicated to giving back to our beloved arts educators and providing a space for meaningful professional development. Members of the Arts Educator Network hear from transformative keynote speakers who present on themes related to upcoming Broadway shows, then attend the performances at a heavily subsidized ticket price, thanks to Equitable’s support.
“Charlotte educators play a vital role in supporting students, particularly those in underserved communities,” said Jarian Kerekes, Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement at Equitable. “Our support of Blumenthal’s Bravo Series enables us to give back to these hard-working educators and compliments our sponsorship of Blumenthal’s Arts Educator Network, which provides professional development and networking opportunities for arts educators in Charlotte.”
“Equitable’s generous support makes a critical difference in helping us to serve our community. From offering the best of Broadway shows close to home, to inspiring young people and teachers, Equitable demonstrates how deeply they care about our community. We are grateful for their partnership in helping the arts to flourish in our city,” said Blumenthal Performing Arts president and CEO, Tom Gabbard.
“We are thrilled to partner with Equitable to uplift arts education in our community,” said Blumenthal’s Vice President of Education Andie Maloney. “Equitable’s commitment to education aligns beautifully with Blumenthal’s mission; their incredible support allows us to serve regional teachers, providing high quality professional development, subsidized Broadway tickets, and peer networking.”
In 2023–2024, Blumenthal will present the largest Broadway season in the region, in part due to support from Equitable. The Equitable Bravo Series offers a package of six shows:
- Beetlejuice, December 26–31, 2023
- Peter Pan, March 5–10, 2024
- Hadestown, May 7–12, 2024
- MAMMA MIA!, June 18–23, 2024
- Disney’s The Lion King, August 8–September 1, 2024
- Clue, October 8–13, 2024
The season will also include a seven-show or eight-show package in the PNC Broadway Lights Series. Season tickets and more information at blumenthalarts.org.
The Arts Educator Network serves educators within any arts discipline from Charlotte area schools and colleges, via digital and in-person professional development sessions. This collective of teachers and professors also have the opportunity to take advantage of networking at social events that may include pre-show workshops and discounted show tickets.
For more information about Blumenthal Performing Arts, visit blumenthalarts.org. For more information about Equitable, visit equitable.com.
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ABOUT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS
Blumenthal Performing Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. For more information, call (704) 372-1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org. Blumenthal Performing Arts receives support from the Infusion Fund and the North Carolina Arts Council. Generous support is also provided by PNC Bank, sponsor of the PNC Broadway Lights series, and Equitable, sponsor of the Equitable Bravo Series
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ABOUT EQUITABLE
Equitable, a principal franchise of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EQH) has been one of America’s leading financial services providers since 1859. With the mission to help clients secure their financial well-being, Equitable provides advice, protection and retirement strategies to individuals, families and small businesses. Equitable has more than 8,000 employees and Equitable Advisors financial professionals and serves 2.8 million clients across the country. Reference to the 1859 founding applies specifically and exclusively to Equitable Financial.