Mellon Foundation Commits $5 Million to American Ballet Theatre
Mellon Foundation Commits $5 Million to American Ballet Theatre
The American Ballet Theatre in New York City has announced a $5 million challenge grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, also in New York, to support a national touring program.
The grant, the largest ever made by the foundation to a performing arts institution, will fund ABT's national residency program, through which the company will work to develop stronger ties with audiences in the Midwest, the Southeast, the Capital area, and on the West Coast. Through numerous activities, including residencies at local universities, educational programs for school-age children, and dancer training, the program will expand ABT's presence in these regions. To support the direct costs of implementing the program, $1.5 million will be earmarked for the company's general operating fund over four years, while the rest of the grant will be added to the company's endowment.
"By allowing us to bring dance of the highest quality to audiences across the United States, the Mellon Foundation has given a gift not only to ABT, but to the entire country," said ABT executive director Rachel S. Moore. "This grant will not only strengthen our financial position, it will allow us to expand ABT's brand as America's national ballet company."
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