Michigan Opera Theatre Announces $4 Million Grant For Community Outreach, Educational Programming And Facility Improvements

Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT) announced today it has been awarded a $4 million grant from the William Davidson Foundation. The landmark gift to the company's comprehensive campaign is designated to support continued artistic excellence, community and educational outreach, and an enhanced patron experience through infrastructure and facility improvements to the David DiChiera Center for the Performing Arts and its Detroit Opera House. In addition, it serves as a call to action to inspire individuals and corporations to join in supporting MOT.

"This grant is an incredible vote of confidence in the leadership and future of Michigan Opera Theatre," said R. Jamison Williams, Chairman of MOT. "This transformative gift will help us make critical physical improvements to our nearly 100-year-old facility, which will not only enhance patron experience but assure our ability to bring superb opera and dance productions to Detroit."

The grant from the William Davidson Foundation provides significant support for the fulfillment of the opera company's "Historic Path to a Bold Future" campaign, launched in 2015. At present, the campaign has generated a significant $30 million against its goal of $50 million.

"We are extraordinarily grateful for the continued support of the William Davidson Foundation," said MOT President and Chief Executive Officer, Wayne S. Brown. "This $4 million grant, coupled with the Foundation's 2015 grant of $1 million for the campaign, represents one of the largest single gifts in MOT's 48-year history. We hope the Foundation's confidence in Michigan Opera Theatre will help us to leverage additional community support for our on-going comprehensive campaign."

"Michigan Opera Theatre has long coupled artistic excellence in opera and dance with a commitment to diversity, accessibility and arts education," says Darin McKeever, president and CEO of the William Davidson Foundation. "Because of this, the Detroit Opera House stage and MOT's programs continue to be a magnet for artists, performances, and audiences that reflect and promote the creativity and richness of the Southeast Michigan community. With this most recent grant, we are proud to support MOT's exciting efforts to sustain and build on this legacy."

Michigan Opera Theatre, one of the nation's most vibrant nonprofit arts organizations, is committed to presenting opera, dance and musical theatre of the highest artistic caliber, along with vibrant community and educational programs. Founded in 1971 by Dr. David DiChiera, the company's mission is to serve as a major cultural resource to the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit. The organization is led by President and CEO Wayne S. Brown, Principal Conductor Stephen Lord and Chairman of the Board Rick Williams. Visit the website at www.michiganopera.org.