The Kennedy Center Announces Arts Across America

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces Arts Across America, a campaign that leverages the resources of the nation's cultural center to recognize thriving arts communities across the country. Through community outreach and one-day events, Arts Across America will spotlight everyday cities and towns that are using the arts to promote connection, a strong creative economy, and cultural citizenship.

Arts Across America events are currently scheduled for Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 22 and 23, and in Braddock, Pennsylvania on June 8. Participating Kennedy Center leadership includes Artistic Advisor at Large Yo-Yo Ma, Chairman David M. Rubenstein, and President Deborah F. Rutter. A schedule of events for Fort Lauderdale is on page 2; media opportunities and interviews are available by arrangement.

"Art happens everywhere-in towns large and small, in schools, retirement homes, shelters, and more. As the nation's cultural center, the Kennedy Center plays a leading role in celebrating all of the great art happening in all corners of our country," said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. "Arts Across America will spotlight diverse and thriving arts communities. We are thrilled to visit communities across the nation, to listen, learn, and elevate the people and local institutions that are doing great work with and through the arts."

Ms. Rutter continued: "As the country's leading philanthropic patriot, David M. Rubenstein has inspired us to seek out and celebrate arts, artists, and communities that make our country great. We are indebted to David for this inspiration, and for the generosity that makes Arts Across America possible."

Arts Across America events are tailored to each community, and local leaders partner with Kennedy Center staff to design a day of activities aligned to the community's cultural landscape and goals. Activities may include:

• Community-based arts activities and visits to outstanding local arts programs;
• Intentional engagement of underrepresented communities, such as veterans, the elderly, or incarcerated populations;
• Large-scale Cultural Conversations, featuring local and national arts leaders;
• Meetings with civic and business leaders;
• School visits and performances with students;
• Collaborative performances between Kennedy Center artists and local artists.

Through these activities, the Kennedy Center will offer a forum for dialogue and a rallying point for communities' current and future efforts in arts engagement and cultural citizenship.

Anticipated outcomes of Arts Across America include increased local and national recognition of the powerful role that arts, artists, and arts organizations can play in strengthening our social fabric. All Arts Across America communities will be invited to participate in the Kennedy Center's 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2021.

The first Arts Across America event was piloted earlier this year in Corona, California. Information about future Arts Across America communities will be available at a later date.

ARTS ACROSS AMERICA: FORT LAUDERDALE: Sunday, April 22 and Monday, April 23

Local organizations have partnered with the Kennedy Center to plan Arts Across Americaactivities that highlight the vibrant cultural landscape of Fort Lauderdale and inspire connections with a diverse cross-section of the community. Partners include: The Broward Center for the Performing Arts; ArtServe, an innovative artist incubator space; the Urban League of Broward County; FATvillage; Brazilian Voices; and the Broward County Chamber of Commerce. Most activities take place in the Sistrunk neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale.

Please note that the following schedule is not for publication and may change without notice. Media are invited to attend events in bold, via prior arrangement with Michelle Pendoley, Kennedy Center Public Relations (mapendoley@kennedy-center.org or C: 202-567-1405).

Sunday, April 22, 2018

10:00 a.m.: Visit with ArtServe, including brief performances with local dancers and poets

11:30 a.m.: Tour of FATVillage Arts District with local business leaders

Noon: Lunch with local business leaders (closed event)

2:00-3:00 p.m.: Cultural Conversation at Parker Playhouse

Featuring Yo-Yo Ma, the Urban League's Germaine Smith-Baugh, and U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (Fl-22).

Moderated by Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein, with opening remarks by Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter

3:30-4:00 p.m.: Pop-up performance for at-risk youth (closed event)

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Concert at Dillard High School

Featuring students from Dillard High School, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, multitalented instrumentalist Cristina Pato, jazz flautist Néstor Torres, and the Brazilian Voices choir

Monday, April 23, 2018

9:00 a.m.: Walker Elementary School visit with Yo-Yo Ma

11:00 a.m.: Dillard High School visit with Yo-Yo Ma

ABOUT The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is America's living memorial to President Kennedy. Under the guidance of Chairman David M. Rubenstein, and PresidentDeborah F. Rutter, the nine theaters and stages of the nation's busiest performing arts facility attract more than three million visitors to more than 2,000 performances each year, while center-related touring productions, television, and radio broadcasts reach 40 million more around the world.

The Center produces and presents performances of music, dance, comedy, Hip Hop, and theater; supports artists in the creation of new work; and serves the nation as a leader in arts education. With its artistic affiliates, the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, the Center has produced more than 300 theatrical productions, and dozens of new ballets, operas, and musical works, in addition to hosting numerous international cultural festivals. The Center's Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning The Kennedy Center Honors is broadcast annually on CBS and annual The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is broadcast on PBS.

The education programs of the Kennedy Center, including those of its affiliate VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, have become models for communities across the country and have unlocked the door to learning for millions of young people.Education at the Kennedy Center produces and presents age appropriate performances and educational events, and fosters innovative programming, curriculum, and professional development for students, teachers, and families.

The Center and its affiliates stage more than 400 free performances by artists from throughout the world each year on the Center's main stages, and every day of the year at 6 p.m. on its Millennium Stages, which are also streamed live, online. The Center also offers reduced and complimentary tickets to young people, active members of the military, and the underserved through its MyTix program and offers a Specially Priced Tickets program for students, seniors, persons with disabilities, and others with fixed low incomes.

To learn more about the Kennedy Center, please visit www.kennedy-center.org.

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