Bush 3rd Graders’ Imagination Takes Center Stage Through CHQ Young Playwrights Project Applause, cheers, and excitement filled the auditorium of Bush Elementary School as the special guests bowed. “Did you enjoy that play?” asks Emily Olcott, one of four teaching artists visiting the school that day from Chautauqua Institution. “YES!” the children replied in unison following the short performance. “Well, great! Because we’re going to perform another play for you except… This one hasn’t been written yet!” Olcott responded to the students’ amazement. “In just a minute, I’m going to go into the audience and get creative ideas and suggestions...
Chautauqua Institution announced today that Senior Vice President & Chief Advancement Officer Geof Follansbee will transition into a new role at the Institution, effective February 1. As Senior Philanthropic Advisor to the President, Follansbee will continue working closely with Chautauqua’s donors and President Michael Hill to advance the Institution’s fundraising priorities as expressed in Boundless, A Campaign for Chautauqua. Current Vice President of Advancement Amy Gardner will transition into the role of Senior Vice President & Chief Advancement Officer, assuming all management responsibilities for the Institution’s fundraising operations. “In my work as a director on the Chautauqua Foundation board and...
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...
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...
