The Stratford Festival has successfully completed its three-year Inspiring Excellence Campaign, reaching its $45-million goal to support its artistic future. The achievement arrives at a pivotal moment for the organization, celebrating Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino’s legacy during his final season while positioning the Festival for its next era under incoming Artistic Director Jonathan Church.
Of the total funds, roughly half will provide operational support to fund productions on stage directly. The remaining portion will be endowed, primarily supporting the Antoni Cimolino Endowment Fund. This fund fuels several key initiatives, including the newly established Cimolino Artistic Growth Award, as well as the Festival's year-round coaching program and The Lab, its research and development center for Canadian and international creators.
The initiative was spearheaded by Cimolino, Executive Director Anita Gaffney, and board leaders including Advancement Chair John M. Cassaday, former Board Chair Robert Gorlin, David L. Adams, and current Board Chair Lawrence N. Stevenson.
Celebrations began late last month when over 150 supporters gathered at the Festival Theatre to unveil a new donor wall and commemorative garden paving stones, followed by a tribute performance, To Antoni, with Love, which drew an audience of more than 1,100 people.
"This campaign was very dear to my heart. I wanted to ensure that at this important time of rebuilding and artistic change, that our artists had the resources to do their best work. The outstanding results reflect the remarkable belief our supporters have in the power of theatre and in the Stratford Festival," said Cimolino. "Their generosity will ensure that artists continue to grow, audiences continue to be inspired, and new work continues to flourish for decades to come."
"The completion of the Inspiring Excellence Campaign is more than a fundraising milestone," added Executive Director Anita Gaffney. "It is a powerful investment in artistic talent and creative possibility. Through these gifts, our donors are helping ensure that the Stratford Festival remains a place where artists can take risks, develop their craft and create work that resonates beyond our stages."
"This campaign is remarkable not only for what it achieved, but for what it supports," Stevenson ponted out. "As the largest fundraising initiative in Stratford Festival history dedicated to artistic excellence and development, it invests directly in artists, mentorship, training and the creation of new work. It is a lasting commitment to the people and ideas that make great theatre possible.”
“I inherit a Festival strengthened by the vision and generosity of this remarkable community” says incoming Artistic Director Jonathan Church. “This investment in artists and creative development provides an extraordinary foundation for the years ahead, ensuring that Stratford remains a place where ambitious storytelling can thrive.”
Top donors:
Daniel Bernstein & Claire Foerster ($5 Million+)
Jane & Raphael Bernstein ($5 Million+)
Sandra & Jim Pitblado ($5 Million+)
The Weston family ($5 Million+)
Mona Alonzo Trust ($1 Million+)
Tony & Anne Arrell ($1 Million+)
Marilyn & Charles Baillie ($1 Million+)
Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney ($1 Million+)
Ophelia Lazaridis ($1 Million+)
The Northpine Foundation, Cathy & John Phillips ($1 Million+)
Andy & Helen Spriet ($1 Million+)
Catherine Wilkes, in memory of David ($1 Million+)
