Marcus Performing Arts Center
Press Release

Marcus Performing Arts Center Extends Partnership with Donald Driver as Cultural Ambassador Through 2030

Longstanding collaboration with Green Bay Packers legend continues to deepen community connections and advance MPAC’s mission

By - Apr 14th, 2026 08:00 am

MILWAUKEE (April 14, 2026) –The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) announces the extension of its partnership with Donald Driver, who will continue in his role as Cultural Ambassador through 2030. First named the organization’s inaugural Cultural Ambassador in 2021, Driver has played a vital role in advancing MPAC’s mission to make the performing arts more accessible, inclusive, and deeply connected to the community.

“Donald has been an extraordinary partner, helping us reach new audiences, inspire young people, and build meaningful bridges between artists and community. Extending this partnership reflects both the impact we’ve already seen and the ambition we share for the future,” said Kevin Giglinto, MPAC President & CEO.

Since the launch of the partnership in 2021, Driver has worked closely with MPAC to create powerful connections between the performing arts and the community through performances, residencies, educational programming, and special collaborations.

Highlights of the partnership include the Artists Unscripted series featuring conversations with Terence Blanchard and the Hiplet dance company; a multi-day residency with Step Afrika! That engaged thousands of students and community members; the co-commission and presentation of Dream, Quickie! Dream! with First Stage, based on Driver’s popular children’s book series; and most recently, an artist conversation with the Ladies of Hip Hop.

In addition to these signature projects, Driver has been a frequent and beloved surprise guest at MPAC’s annual BASH gala, helping raise critical support for the organization’s education and engagement programs.

“I’ve always believed in the power of the arts to change lives and open doors,” said Donald Driver. “What we’ve been able to do together with the Marcus Performing Arts Center over the past few years has been truly special. I’m excited to continue this journey and to keep finding new ways to reach kids, families, and communities who deserve access to these experiences.”

Looking ahead, the extended partnership will continue to focus on artist collaborations, community-based programming, and initiatives that align with MPAC’s ongoing commitment to accessibility while exploring new ways to connect the performing arts to Southeastern Wisconsin.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

Recent Press Releases by Marcus Performing Arts Center

Marcus Performing Arts Center Announces 2026/27 Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center Season

A total of eleven titles make up the largest Broadway line-up in Marcus Center history

Winners of 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Contests Announced, Will Be Celebrated at Free Citywide Celebration

Free event on Monday, January 19, to honor student contest winners and community leader Andre Lee Ellis

Leave a Reply

You must be an Urban Milwaukee member to leave a comment. Membership, which includes a host of perks, including an ad-free website, tickets to marquee events like Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair and the Florentine Opera, a better photo browser and access to members-only, behind-the-scenes tours, starts at $9/month. Learn more.

Join now and cancel anytime.

If you are an existing member, sign-in to leave a comment.

Have questions? Need to report an error? Contact Us