As Michigan’s largest and most diverse presenter of performing arts, we’re proud to showcase the best and brightest stars of music, theatre, dance and more. Since opening its doors more than 25 years ago, Wharton Center has become a dynamic and evolving cultural asset, helping our community prosper as a great place to live, work and play. With well over 100 performances in addition to an extensive array of education programs and community engagement activities, each year we host more than 125,000 patrons who experience the transformative power of the performing arts right here in the Capital region.

Your support allows us to do much more than simply offer an entertainment option for Michigan residents. Your support allows Wharton Center to achieve its mission of enriching the lives of Michigan residents and strengthening the value of the arts in everyday life. In the coming years, we will forge ahead with our mission to integrate performing arts and education. Artist residencies for audiences of all ages will continue to serve as the cornerstone of our education initiatives. In addition to continuing our collaborations with the Stratford Festival of Canada, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center, Wharton Center is pleased to announce three new residencies, totaling four artist residencies that will integrate world-renowned artists presented on our stages into education programs involving MSU students and faculty, local schools, lifelong learners and arts organizations throughout the state during the 2008-2009 season.

This year and next, Wharton Center also hopes to be in the midst of an exciting expansion project that will add additional space for on-site entertaining, but more importantly, new space for education programs that integrate the arts as an important component of lifelong learning for the campus community and residents of Michigan. This new “institute for arts and learning” will allow Wharton Center to host more on-site classes and lectures, in addition to new initiatives in distance learning to classrooms throughout the state.

I recognize and value the many talents you share with the University and appreciate your consideration of enhancing your “giving” to the University by financially supporting Wharton Center and our programs. If you have any questions about giving to Wharton Center, please contact Doug Miller, Director of Development at 517-353-4640 or by email at doug.miller@whartoncenter.com.