Chautauqua Institution today announced the selection of Heidrick & Struggles, a premier global leadership advisory firm, to assist in the search for its next president. This selection follows the search committee’s rigorous consideration of multiple national firms that responded to a Request for Proposals (RFP). The decision marks a significant step forward in the Institution’s leadership transition process, following President Michael E. Hill’s departure in May. Former board member Kyle Keogh is serving as Interim Chief Executive during this search and selection process. Heidrick & Struggles brings decades of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, with a strong track...
This June, something magical happened at Chautauqua Institution. More than 800 students from across Chautauqua County arrived on grounds — not just for a field trip, but for a full-sensory, full-hearted adventure. Through the Explore Chautauqua Field Trips, students from Dunkirk, Fredonia, Jamestown, Bemus Point and Chautauqua Lake stepped into a world where learning comes alive, creativity is celebrated, and every child is invited to see the world — and themselves — a little differently. Chautauqua in a Day These experiences included color, texture and imagination at Chautauqua’s Visual Arts Galleries. Under the guidance of Susan and John Turben Director...
As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the patron experience and support the long-term financial sustainability of popular entertainment events in the Amphitheater, we are piloting a new approach to services and amenities within the Amphitheater during post-season events in September. The Chautauqua Amphitheater experience — especially for popular entertainment — remains unique in the industry. To remain competitive and responsive to evolving guest expectations, we will begin offering concessions during two evening events in September, with operations led by the Chautauqua Hotel Company (Athenaeum Hotel) and sales occurring in Odland Plaza (a perimeter will be set up requiring...
Climate, Sustainability, Environment and Nature: 51 Lectures, Forums, Films and Classes for the 2025 Season! You’ve heard of the Chautauqua Lecture Series (CLS), the Interfaith Lecture Series, the Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle, and the incredible programs and speakers they bring to Chautauqua Institution each summer. But did you know that each summer we have an equally robust program focused on the environment, nature, sustainability and climate change? Our season kicks off on Week One with the annual Chautauqua Lake Conference, your opportunity to learn about the latest science and solutions for protecting lake water quality. Our season concludes on...
This season, Chautauqua Institution is launching a new parking system designed to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience. CI Access is powered by SKIDATA, a leading provider of digital parking technology. With this upgrade, all parking areas are now fully secured and operational 24 hours a day, requiring all users to scan in and out each time they enter or exit. The most important change is the requirement that all vehicles must scan their parking pass when upon entering and exiting. If a user fails to scan out, they will not be able to scan back in. This change ensures...
Juneteenth celebrations are happening all over the U. S. Our staff and patrons located in Chautauqua County are encouraged to attend local celebrations. Jamestown Juneteenth Events • June 19–22, 2025 Dunkirk 2024 Juneteenth Celebrations Juneteenth Resources National Juneteenth Resources We are grateful to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for curating resources on the history and ongoing relevance of Juneteenth.
Celebrated Author Will Give Public Reading at Chautauqua Institution on Aug. 15 Chautauqua Institution proudly announces Whale Fall: A Novel (Pantheon Books) by Elizabeth O’Connor as the 2025 winner of The Chautauqua Prize. Awarded annually since 2012, the Prize celebrates a book of fiction, literary/narrative nonfiction, or a book-length collection of poetry that provides a richly rewarding reading experience and honors the author for a significant contribution to the literary arts. As author of this year’s winning book, O’Connor receives $7,500 and will be presented with the Prize during a celebratory event and public reading at 3:30 p.m. EDT Friday,...
Chautauqua Institution is pleased to announce the highly anticipated black box theater in the Roe Green Theater Center is to be named in honor of Chautauqua Institution’s 18th president Michael E. Hill, who served from 2017 through 2025, and his husband Peter M. Korns. The Michael E. Hill & Peter M. Korns Theater, a state-of-the-art intimate performance space seating 99 patrons, will be home to a full slate of programming during the season and will operate year-round dedicated to the development of original works. The theater is made possible through a generous gift from longtime Chautauquans and devoted supporters...
Did you know that if you mistakenly put your coffee grounds in your recycling bin it could result in a whole truckload of recyclables being diverted to the landfill? Cross contamination of recyclables by non-recyclable items is one of the biggest reasons recycling rates are so poor. Cross contamination is particularly high at Chautauqua, perhaps owing to our many visitors who may not be familiar with what is and is not recyclable in our community. For the 2025 season, thanks to a new partnership with Chautauqua’s main waste management company, Casella, we’re taking action to reduce cross contamination and improve...
This May, hallways in Chautauqua County echoed with something unexpected: the soaring sounds of Mozart, the laughter of children, and yes — even a few theatrical howls. In a spirited collaboration between Chautauqua Arts Education and the Chautauqua Opera Company, the Opera in the Schools program returned for its fifth year, bringing live opera to more than 3,000 elementary school students across the region. Eleven schools participated in this year’s tour, which featured Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf — a clever adaptation of Mozart’s Don Giovanni by librettist Joshua Borths. In this version, Mozart’s music becomes the backdrop...
