The Zeckendorf Endowment
Sustaining the Lensic's Cultural Legacy, Safeguarding our Future
The Lensic Performing Arts Center has been a beacon of cultural engagement in downtown Santa Fe since 1931. As we celebrate our 23rd year as a nonprofit performing arts center, we reflect on our successes and envision a future that preserves and enhances the Lensic’s legacy. We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Zeckendorf Endowment Campaign, a $15 million initiative designed to elevate our endowment to $25 million. This campaign stands as a tribute to our visionary founders, Nancy and Bill Zeckendorf, and is a testament to their enduring impact on the Lensic’s vitality.
Why the Endowment Matters
While currently financially successful with no accumulated debt, we recognize the responsibility to plan ahead. The Zeckendorf Endowment is designed to secure the future, generating additional annual income to keep the Lensic vibrant for generations to come.
How the Zeckendorf Endowment Supports the Lensic
Preserving the Historic Lensic Building
- A portion of the endowment will support major maintenance projects, strengthening the future of our 93-year-old landmark.
- Anticipated needs include maintenance, upgrades, and replacements of theater seats, projectors, stage speakers, microphones, and the intelligent stage lighting system.
Supporting the Lensic's Educational Programs
- The Zeckendorf Endowment will contribute to expanding our arts education and performance programs, reaching 13,000 students annually.
- Programs include free matinees, education outreach, free performance tickets for classrooms, a technical theater internship program, Lensic Future Voices, extended residencies teaching flamenco fundamentals, and Lensic Hocus Focus supporting students with special needs.
- Long-term funding will enhance program diversity, and provide lasting, vital, affordable offerings for our community.
Lensic Performance Programs
- Your support will enable us to invest in new kinds of programming, bringing a diverse range of performing arts and ideas from around the world to our community.
- Current programs include Lensic Presents, Lensic 360, The Met: Live in HD, and National Theatre Live in HD.
Securing the Lensic's Future
We invite you to join us in securing the Lensic’s future. Endowment monies, held intact and invested for long-term growth, will exponentially benefit the Lensic and the communities we serve across the state in the decades ahead. Your generosity can take the form of an immediate gift, a pledged gift over the next five years, a planned (deferred) gift, or a combination of these options.
How to Contribute
We are eager to discuss ways you can support the campaign that align with your personal needs and financial goals. Naming opportunities are available for major donations. Please consider becoming a crucial part of the Lensic’s enduring legacy.
Thank you for your commitment to the Lensic and the arts. Together, let’s create a lasting impact on the cultural vitality of New Mexico.
Please contact Laura Acquaviva, Managing Director, at lacquaviva@lensic.org for more information.