Milwaukee Ballet announces $3 million gift from The Herzfeld Foundation

Milwaukee – Nov 8, 2018 – Milwaukee Ballet proudly announces a $3 million gift from The Herzfeld Foundation to the company’s capital campaign, which supports the construction of its new home – the Baumgartner Center for Dance – as well as its artistic and community engagement programs.

The Herzfeld Foundation has been a longtime contributor to Milwaukee Ballet, presenting them with grants totaling nearly $7 million since 1998.

“The Herzfeld Foundation recognizes that arts and culture are vital to the well-being of a community, promoting artistic excellence, providing accessibility for all and stimulating the creative and intellectual spirit. Milwaukee Ballet has been a shining example of how the impact of the arts is felt far beyond the stage,” said Herzfeld Foundation Vice President Carmen Haberman. “We’re proud to support their new facility, and in doing so, support the expansion of their School & Academy and community engagement offerings.”

Milwaukee Ballet Artistic Director, Michael Pink, shared his enthusiasm for the donation. “The Herzfeld Foundation has been a fervent supporter of Milwaukee Ballet during my 16-year tenure at the helm, and I’m thrilled to have their support in this important moment in the company’s history,” said Pink. “This gift signals to the greater community that Milwaukee Ballet is an exciting, innovative institution, and we’re grateful to The Herzfeld Foundation for leading the way.”

As a sign of gratitude, Milwaukee Ballet will name the lobby after The Herzfeld Foundation.

This announcement comes roughly one year before Milwaukee Ballet will move into its new home, located at in the Third Ward. The two-story, 52,000 square foot facility is on track to open in Fall 2019.

This is the second major gift Milwaukee Ballet has announced regarding its new home. The first was a $10 million leading gift from Donna and Donald Baumgartner, whose name will be featured on the new facility.

The Baumgartner Center for Dance will house the administrative functions of the current headquarters, located at 504 W. National Ave., as well as Company rehearsals and the operations of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy. The new facility will feature seven studios as well as improved access for Tour de Force students with mobility challenges. It will provide additional capacity for the School & Academy, while enabling the creation of new classes and program offerings.

Milwaukee Ballet’s capital campaign also accommodates an operating reserve and funds for artistic and community engagement programs.

About Milwaukee Ballet

Milwaukee Ballet was founded in 1970. Led by Artistic Director, Michael Pink, Milwaukee Ballet’s mission is to create a rich and diverse community through its inspiring dance performance, education and community engagement. Milwaukee Ballet hosts an international company of dancers and is one of the few companies in the nation to maintain its own orchestra. Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Milwaukee Ballet’s award-winning Community Engagement department serves more than 38,000 people in Southeastern Wisconsin each year through original, interactive programs. Milwaukee Ballet celebrates its 50th Anniversary in the 2019-20 season.

About The Herzfeld Foundation
The Herzfeld Foundation was founded by Richard and Ethel Herzfeld, who wished that upon their passing, their assets would be added to their Foundation dedicated to Wisconsin but with emphasis on the greater Milwaukee area. The Herzfeld Foundation makes grants in the areas of Arts and Culture, Education, Arts Education and limited funding in Civic Improvements. Funding is restricted to Wisconsin-based organizations with an emphasis on those that benefit the people of the Greater Milwaukee area.

About the Baumgartner Center for Dance

The Baumgartner Center for Dance is designed by a team from HGA Architects and Engineers, led by Design Principal James Shield, FAIA, John Chapman, Principal-in-Charge, and Andrew Lasca, Project Manager. The due diligence, entitlement and construction process is managed by Catalyst Construction and The DeMichele Company, respectively led by Adam Arndt and Michael DeMichele.

Video from the Beam Signing from the Baumgartner Center for Dance: https://youtu.be/8EdgygFsxRs

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.