Chautauqua Institution is proud to announce that 2023 philanthropic activity totaled more than $36 million. This amount reflects a combination of outright and planned gifts and pledges to Chautauqua Institution and the Chautauqua Foundation. Of the total amount raised, $5.9 million was contributed to the Chautauqua Fund, the Institution’s annual giving program, through one-time and multi-year commitments. Furthermore, the Chautauqua Fund exceeded the Institution’s budgeted goal for 2023. These contributions are a significant component of the $106 million raised to date for Boundless, A Campaign for Chautauqua. “More than 2,800 unique donors contributed to this groundbreaking success, illustrating once again...
This summer Chautauqua Institution invites you to be a part of our 150th Anniversary season, as we celebrate the lectures, events and performances of our milestone year in 2024! With ticket sales kicking off on Jan. 23, we want to help make your purchase as easy and efficient as possible, starting with gate passes! When planning your visit, there are two different gate pass options to consider: our Traditional Gate Pass (TGP) and our Grounds Access Pass (GAP). Though both passes offer unlimited access to Chautauqua’s breath-taking grounds, there are a few key elements to keep in mind when planning...
The following statement can be attributed to Michael E. Hill, president of Chautauqua Institution: “We applaud Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to science-based conservation efforts at Chautauqua Lake, as detailed in today’s State of the State address. Dedicated funding for this project underscores the cultural and ecological importance of Chautauqua Lake and the need to rid the lake of invasive weeds and toxic algae blooms that threaten its future. We look forward to working with state government, local entities and environmental organizations to guarantee that any state funds allocated to this project are utilized to implement “smart lake” technology to measure and...
Dear Friend, There are moments that change the course of history. Driven by the actions of determined individuals, these inflection points move our civilization forward, inspire others to dream, and forever change the landscape of humanity. One hundred fifty years ago, a Methodist bishop and a visionary industrialist united to create a sacred place of respite and sparked a movement that changed the world. A century and a half later, we celebrate our inheritance of their legacy of curiosity and commit to stewarding their mission of expanding our horizons together. It is in this spirit that we embark on...
See what’s streaming on CHQ Assembly this January! CHQ Assembly’s January 2024 Lineup In January, we’re highlighting the 2023 Summer Assembly theme “Infrastructure: Building and Maintaining the Physical, Social and Civic Underpinnings of Society.” Somewhere along the way, infrastructure becomes boring — the awe and joy with which a child greets the weekly garbage truck and hours spent on felt playmats of city streets give way to the “unsexy” business of routine maintenance and iterative improvements, of taxes and policy. Yet nothing remains more critical to our public lives than the evolution and safety of these systems. Join Chautauqua’s lecturers...
Dear Chautauqua Family, Lately, I’ve been thinking about the importance of being present and cherishing the special moments that define our lives. As I enter this holiday season, rich with traditions and rituals, I’m inspired to actively embrace the present moment. Let’s all take the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in our communities and families, welcoming the joy that surrounds us. I am particularly reminded of what a privilege it is to do so, with so much of our world struggling with violence and tragedy; those people and situations are also very present in my heart and prayers. In this...
See what’s streaming on CHQ Assembly this December! CHQ Assembly’s December 2023 Lineup In December, we’re highlighting the 2023 Summer Assembly theme “The State of Believing.” When we talk about the concept of “belief,” what do we mean? Some of our most deeply held beliefs aren’t just religious ones — they’re philosophical, political, intellectual, emotional. They can take the forms of faith and trust (or lack thereof) in institutions, or in each other. Join Chautauqua’s lecturers Almar Latour, Casper ter Kuile, Kate Bowler, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Brian Greene, Simran Jeet Singh, Rev. Dr. Gary V. Simpson, Setti D. Warren, Tyler...
Though many Chautauquans spend Thanksgiving away from our historic grounds, others return to enjoy the last blaze of fall colors before winter sets in. As you gather in gratitude with family and friends, either here at Chautauqua or in the communities you call home, please join us in reflecting on the meaningful impact philanthropy continues to have on the Institution. We invite you to read just a few examples of the many ways your gifts are making an impact on Chautauquans of every age today, and how future generations will benefit from your generous forethought. To every member of our...
Dear Chautauquans, As we prepare to gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving Day, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on the spirit of our beloved Chautauqua Institution. In a year that has presented both challenges and triumphs, I am thankful for the resilience and strength our community has demonstrated in tandem with care and support. Chautauqua has always been a place of connection, learning, and inspiration, and in these times, we have leaned on these pillars to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our world. I am grateful for the unwavering commitment of our patrons, staff, volunteers and...
Chautauqua Institution today announced the appointment of #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Kwame Alexander to the role of Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts. Alexander will also serve as the Inaugural Writer-in-Residence at Chautauqua. A poet, educator, publisher, and Emmy-nominated producer, Alexander is the author of 40 books, including Why Fathers Cry at Night: A Memoir; The Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor-winning picture book The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson; Becoming Muhammad Ali, co-authored with James Patterson; and the Newbery Medal-winning middle grade novel, The Crossover, now a television series on Disney+. His books have long...