ASHLAND, Ore. (October 19, 2023) – Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) announces that it has received a commitment to secure funding leading up to $6 million, made possible through the collective efforts of four generous philanthropists, including
Louise Gund, Bertie Bialek Elliott, and Sid &
Karen DeBoer. This pivotal support comes on the heels of a much-anticipated 2024 season announcement, other significant contributions from individual donors and foundations, and the start of
Tim Bond’s
tenure as OSF’s seventh Artistic Director.
Louise Gund, an accomplished Theatre Producer with a wide range of artistic sensibilities, has inspired fellow longtime friends and OSF supporters
Bertie Bialek Elliott, and
Sid &
Karen DeBoer to come together to offer $5 million in unrestricted funding for the Festival, $1m of which is a challenge match to the board and public at large. This match for $1m is in place until the end of the 2023 calendar year.
Louise Gund’s love for Ashland and OSF began 35 years ago when she first made the pilgrimage there from the Bay Area. “I was amazed and enchanted by the powerful productions I saw that weekend, by the town, and by the extraordinary natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. It was love at first sight”.
Gund added, “The arts possess an unmatched power to inspire, heal, and unite us. I believe the arts (theatre in particular) are an unparalleled force for deep and important human connection. Theatre can bring us together in a powerful way. Now is the moment for us all to rise together in support of this cherished company, a radiant beacon of creativity and cultural enrichment. Together, we will ensure that the magic of Oregon Shakespeare Festival continues to bring us joy and shine a bright light on our common humanity”.
These landmark funds follow continued efforts by
Artistic Director Tim Bond to revitalize the organization in the wake of financial and operational challenges. OSF concluded its 2023 season on October 15 thanks to a
successful fundraising campaign and most recently
announced its 2024 season after an award of $2 million from the
James F. and
Marion L. Miller Foundation.
Tim Bond says, “There is not a day that goes by where I don’t fantasize about the hopes and dreams I have for the future of the Festival. Not just in 2024, but for our 90th anniversary in 2025 and for the next decade leading up to OSF’s centennial. The unwavering support and passion from these extraordinary donors underscores the profound impact OSF has had on the Rogue Valley and far beyond. Their leadership and the support of so many others will make these dreams a reality.”
The momentum from these endeavors and this significant support from these longtime beloved donors serves as a catalyst for the Festival to focus more efforts on long-term planning including conceiving future seasons, restoring much-loved programs, and continuing to make structural changes to develop a more sustainable and thriving business model.
Bond adds, “I’m immensely pleased by the momentum we’ve built over the last few months, and I’m profoundly grateful to
Louise,
Bertie,
Sid and
Karen for rallying to cement a thriving future for OSF. This is the kind of healing that we need. This is what will put and keep the Festival on the right track and define our legacy as we celebrate nearly a century of unparalleled and influential theatre-making.”
Contributions towards the $1 million matching challenge can be
made here.
For media inquiries, please contact Javier Dubon at [email protected].
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About the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 9 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country. OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre. Learn more at osfashland.org.