Dear Chautauquans, For more than 150 years, Chautauqua has been a place where people gather to learn, reflect, grow and connect. We have weathered periods of social change, economic challenges and cultural transformation because we have always adapted — thoughtfully and deliberately — to meet the needs of the moment while safeguarding our mission for the future. That same spirit of resilience guides us now. As we look ahead to the 2026 Summer Assembly and beyond, we are making strategic programming decisions designed to strengthen Chautauqua’s financial foundation, protect the experiences that matter most, and position the Institution for another...
Pathway to Financial Resilience Update from Kyle Keogh Dear Chautauquans, With sincere gratitude and appreciation for your valued contributions to the community, I write to share an important update as we navigate a challenging chapter in Chautauqua’s journey. As we shared in our summer meetings, Chautauqua is undergoing a much-needed evaluation of how best to ensure our long-term financial resilience. As a part of this process, we have determined we must take decisive action to achieve a net budget reduction of $4-6 million. To achieve this objective, we have made the difficult decision to reduce staffing levels and operational budgets...
Did You Notice? George T. Snyder, Trustee for Life Good evening. Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday when we opened the season with a riveting discussion between James Carville and Kristen Soltis. Wasn’t it just a few hours ago that we popped our paper bags to simulate cannon fire during the CSO’s performance of the 1812 overture? It seems like minutes — not weeks — since we cheered each other on at the Old First Night Run. The summer here defies space and time. I can’t believe we are closing the 152nd Summer Assembly. But here...
Chautauqua Institution announces a special post-season concert experience on Friday, September 5, featuring legendary artist Bonnie Raitt with special guest Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-A-Whirl Band. This event marks a new chapter in Chautauqua’s entertainment programming and will serve as the launch of a pilot initiative aimed at enhancing the concert experience for all. As part of this pilot, concessions including food, beer, wine, and other beverages will be available at the Amphitheater. Beverages (served in covered cups) will be permitted inside the Amphitheater and within the security perimeter. Food will only be permitted within the security perimeter, but not inside the Amphitheater gates. This initiative is designed...
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...
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...
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.
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...