A Year of Artistic Marvels and Community Connections
As we close the curtain on an exceptional year, we find ourselves in a sea of gratitude for the steadfast support you’ve provided to ArtPower at UC San Diego. Your unwavering commitment to the arts has been the bedrock upon which we’ve built a year filled with diverse and captivating performances, community engagement initiatives, and transformative outreach activities. We are delighted to share with you the highlights of our incredible journey through 2023, made possible by your generosity.
- Unforgettable Performances: This year, the Epstein Family Amphitheater resonated with the soulful sounds of Gregory Porter, enchanting our audience and creating memories that will linger for years to come. We were also moved by serpentwithfeet’s emotionally charged performance in “Heart of Brick,” the Tesla Quartet with David Kaplan’s exquisite collaboration, Americana artists Steve Riley and the Racines, and the sensational global music icon, Oumou Sangáre. Nochebuena with Mariachi Garibaldi and Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles, The Manhattan Transfer’s Final Tour and An Evening with Sir Patrick Stewart were crowning jewels of our season, captivating audiences with their unparalleled talent and artistry.
- Collaborative Partnerships: ArtPower took pride in cultivating meaningful partnerships with esteemed organizations such as La Jolla Playhouse, City Ballet, Mainly Mozart, Blindspot Collective, and Doctors Without Borders. These collaborations have enriched our programming and underscored the power of the arts to foster unity, understanding, and cultural exchange. Notably, our campus partnerships with the Music, Theatre and Dance Departments, The Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination, and Housing and Dining have further strengthened our commitment to interdepartmental collaboration, creating a vibrant and dynamic cultural hub on campus.
- Dedicated Performances for Students and Young Patrons: As part of our commitment to nurturing the next generation of art enthusiasts, ArtPower hosted the UC San Diego Student Performing Arts Showcase, engaging young talents and providing them with a platform to shine. Movie Sing-along nights and the Fall Quarter dance sharing events brought together students and young patrons for joyous, communal experiences.
- Outreach Activities: ArtPower extended its reach into the community through master classes with world-class musicians, fostering a space for learning and growth. The Women in Synthesis forum celebrated and empowered female voices in the arts, while student matinees provided educational and inspiring experiences to the next generation.
Your support has been instrumental in making all these endeavors possible. As we reflect on the achievements of the past year, we look forward with optimism to a future filled with more artistic triumphs and community connections. Your continued support will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of ArtPower’s journey.
May the holiday season bring you joy and warmth, and may the New Year be filled with even more moments of artistic wonder and cultural enrichment.
With heartfelt thanks,
Colleen Kollar Smith
Executive Director
Elizabeth Bradshaw
Associate Director of Artistic Planning and Outreach
Albert Agbayani
Assistant Director of Artistic Planning and Outreach