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Welcome
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEAR FRIENDS,
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Welcome to Bravo!, Celebrity Series of Boston’s annual report publication on the past 2020/21 season and the year to come.
The 2020/21 season was a year of firsts, major accomplishments and organizational learning. For the first time in Celebrity Series’ 83-year history, performances were streamed online, in response to the impact of the pandemic and to the desire to strengthen the relationships with our artists and with you, our audience and supporters. Audiences from 50 states and 29 countries discovered our artists and our use of international and local venues. The power of our Neighborhood Arts program was recognized by new and returning audience members, with high virtual attendance. And if these achievements weren’t enough to celebrate, we were able to achieve an operating surplus through the generosity of our incredible donors and special COVID-19 government funding.
As one of the first presenters in the nation to produce streams in April 2020 after the pandemic lockdown, we are thankful to you for making Celebrity Series’ 2020/21 season a success. Without our audience and your encouragement, we would not have been able to navigate through the many challenges presented by the 2020/21 season and exhibit strength and resilience. Thank you to all who supported us through annual contributions, ticket donations, and stream views.
While we strove to deliver audiences intriguing and transformative experiences at home, we also began staff and Board work to evaluate racial equity, bias, and systemic racism in our organization and in our industry. The work will be an ongoing part of Celebrity Series’ efforts to make demonstrable changes internally and externally through a plan with detailed goals, accountability and measurements.
We are looking forward to returning to live performance with digital options for select performances, and experiencing the power and joy of the performing arts in-person once more.
Thank you so much for your support and for being an important part of our family.
Joshua Boger Chair, Board of Directors Gary Dunning President & Executive Director
