Shaping the Future
of Austin's Arts, Together
Imagine an Austin with a thriving cultural scene that runs on collaboration, fueled by a diverse ever-growing community of arts enthusiasts.
Inspire 2030
Inspire 2030 is an ambitious initiative that leverages Austin Opera's values of integrity, sustainability, curiosity, and inclusion to inspire, unite, and engage Austinites through the transformative power of arts and culture.
An Austin Opera Movement
- $7.5 million in capital support
- $1 million in theater technology
- 300 multi-year arts underwriting pledges
- 1,000 new donors
- 10,000 new audience members
- 45 new Bravo Society members
The Butler Performance Center
At the center of this movement is the creation of the Sarah and Ernest Butler Performance Center, Austin's newest cultural hub that will present year-round cultural experiences by dozens of local arts organizations.
- A 180-seat theater with retractable, tiered deluxe seating
- Four rehearsal rooms
- Conference center
- Indoor and outdoor event space
- 300 parking spots
- and more!
Opening in spring of 2026, Austin’s newest performance center, named for generous lead philanthropists Sarah and Ernest Butler, will include a 180-seat theater and rehearsal space, teaching and practice studios, a costume shop, a conference center, outdoor event space, and the Opera’s administrative offices.
This new home will expand Austin Opera’s mission in exciting ways, allowing us to engage our community year-round with a broader range of programming while also addressing a critical need for affordable performance and rehearsal space in our thriving city.
In the coming weeks and months, we will share updates on our construction progress and information on how you can help us reach the finish line on this important project.
Should you wish to make an impact and support this transformative project for Austin Opera and the broader arts community in Austin, please contact Jennifer Basten at 512-610-7671 or [email protected].
