Austin Opera Forward Campaign
Austin Opera is poised to take a bold step forward.
Now in our 35th season producing opera in Austin, we find ourselves at an exciting juncture in our organizational history. Over the past several years, we have amassed the leadership – both volunteer and professional – to guide Austin Opera to entirely new levels of excellence, relevance, and influence. Located in a city experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, population, and resources, Austin Opera is poised to take a bold step forward in serving our community and advancing our art form.
The Austin Opera Forward Campaign will support investments in the following three areas:
excellence
As the fastest-growing major city in America, it is vital that we continue to elevate our artistic excellence to meet the growing expectations of our eager audience. The Austin Opera Forward Campaign will secure our competitive position in attracting the most exciting operatic talent to Austin, from principal singers to inspired directors and creative teams. It will enable us to carry forward our commitment to the outstanding Austin musicians who have found a musical home in our chorus and orchestra. And, it will increase the resources available to engage in compelling storytelling through traditional and innovative production formats.
innovation
Opera ATX presents Beethoven in VR: Fidelio
Austin Opera has emerged as an industry-leader in the development of innovative strategies to build opera audiences for the future. Fueled by three national innovation grants received over the course of two years, Austin Opera is on track to take a leadership position in audience research and new organizational structures and business models aimed at revolutionizing the ways we can experience opera. From groundbreaking collaborations to immersive technologies, Austin Opera will leverage Austin’s spirit of innovation to ensure a thrilling future for our beloved art form.
impact
With Austin Opera Forward, we commit to doubling down on the ways in which we serve our community. Over the past three years we have engaged in radical collaboration – a reflection of our belief that partnership is the most critical tool in building a vibrant and sustainable cultural ecosystem. These new relationships will serve as the centerpiece of our work to ensure that Austin Opera’s programming – both onstage and off – evolves to serve the rapidly changing population of our region.
the time is now
Phase One of the Austin Opera Forward Campaign was completed in November 2021 with $3 million raised so far to support artistic excellence, operatic innovation, and community impact. We are thrilled to enter Phase Two of the Campaign, which aims to bring in another $4 million by the end of June 2023, with a total goal of $10M by 2025.
We have done the thoughtful planning, achieved financial stability, and established the baseline best practices necessary to turn our gaze to the future. The Austin Opera family has amassed the size and enthusiasm necessary to support the company’s present and future. It is time to take a bold step forward.
To make a gift in support of the Austin Opera Forward Campaign, please contact Chief Development Officer Jennifer Basten at 512-610-7671 or [email protected].
