(WASHINGTON)—The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has joined as an affiliate member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, an organization founded to foster collaboration across the Greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area in support of access and equitable economic and workforce development.
The Consortium is among the nation’s most diverse and innovative educational alliances, bringing together the global reputation of the colleges, universities, and cultural institutions in the National Capital Area. The Consortium fosters partnerships between its members and the region’s leading corporations, government agencies, and non-profit and philanthropic organizations.
“The presidents of the region’s colleges and universities were unanimous in naming the Kennedy Center as our fourth affiliate member,” said Andrew Flagel, president and chief executive officer of the Consortium. “Joining with affiliate members the Smithsonian Institution, Johns Hopkins University, and Virginia Tech, the Kennedy Center’s membership represents the incredible vitality and impact of the arts in our region. We are excited to expand opportunities for bold, powerful collaborations that further our status as America’s greatest arts community.”
“The arts have the power to change lives and strengthen community. In joining as an affiliate member of the Consortium we can enhance our collective impact. We are excited to support and collaborate with the other member institutions, opening doors to better serve all our patrons, expand arts access, and ensure the arts are a part of vibrant, healthy communities,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter.
Founded in the 1960s to support academic and research collaborations across leading D.C. institutions, the Consortium advances education in the region, promotes the region’s economic and cultural vitality, and serves as a vehicle for members to share resources and cooperate for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community. Comprised of 18 members and four affiliate members, the Consortium is a cross-section of private, public, and federal universities, community colleges, and cultural institutions.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a vibrant cultural hub that connects thousands of artists with millions of people each year—in person, online, and in their home communities. Named as the living memorial to President John F. Kennedy in the same year as the Consortium, 1964, the Kennedy Center opened in 1971. It brings to life the legacy of President Kennedy as the nation’s cultural center for the performing arts, offering world-class programs by artists that define our culture today alongside powerful arts education opportunities nationwide.
The members of the Consortium are excited to welcome the Kennedy Center to our community of education leaders,” shared Consortium Board chair and President of Gallaudet University, Roberta Cordano, “Their efforts to reflect the cultural diversity of our nation, and make art more accessible is a model for organizations around the world.” Together we will create new opportunities to serve our community and expand access to the arts.”
Contact:
Andrew Flagel, PhD
President & CEO
Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area