In 1990, efforts began to create a downtown mid-size theater for
nonprofit performing arts organizations. This initiative was spurred by a report
on the arts in Chicago issued by the MacArthur Foundation that highlighted the
need for such a venue. The Polk Bros. Foundation committed $2.5 million and
joined with eight other foundations to pursue the theater’s creation. An
executive director was hired in 1995 and Polk Bros. Foundation Chair and CEO
Sandra Guthman chaired the board from 1993-2004. Today she continues to serve on
the Executive Committee of the Harris Theater Board of Trustees.
Thirteen years of work came to fruition in November 2003 when
the 1,525 seat Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance opened
in Millennium Park for its first season. This state-of-the-art venue provides a
downtown home for a myriad of Chicago’s most exciting music and dance companies,
including Chicago Opera Theater, Music of the Baroque and Hubbard Street Dance
Chicago. The Harris Theater also serves as the host of internationally renowned
companies and artists including San Francisco Ballet, New York City Ballet,
Laurie Anderson and eighth blackbird.
Now in its fifth year of operation, the nonprofit Harris
Theater partners with Chicago’s performing arts and cultural institutions by
providing subsidized rental, technical expertise and marketing support, enabling
them to focus on what they do best – bringing the finest music and dance to
the public. The mission of the Theater makes it possible for organizations to
attract broader, larger and more diverse audiences, encourages artistic synergy
between groups and increases opportunities to offer educational programs. It
serves as a national model of collaboration between the philanthropic community
and performing arts organizations.
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