PROUD FOUNDATION OF THE DUKE ENERGY CENTER FOR THE ARTS - MAHAFFEY THEATER
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts supports performing arts programming at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater. We provide arts education programs for youth, community outreach programs, and performances as well as concerts for the entire community. The Foundation and Theater staff work together to deliver unrivaled cultural arts experiences to our patrons.
HELP SUPPORT OUR MISSION TO EDUCATE, ENGAGE, AND ENTERTAIN
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts is a nonprofit organization in St. Petersburg, FL. We aim to uplift the community through a wide range of educational programs, community outreach, and public performances at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater.
LOCAL IMPACT
Over 22,000 Pinellas County students visit the Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater, free each year thanks to Class Acts the Mahaffey Theater's educational program.
Since 2011, Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts has grown from serving 98,000 visitors to more than 250,000 visitors annually. In the past fourteen years, we have presented more than 750 culturally diverse performances to the main stage of the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater. The Mahaffey Theater is an integral part of the arts culture in Tampa Bay and is considered the premier performing arts center in St. Petersburg, adding to the many cultural assets that draw national and international visitors to our region.
FOSTERING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
By providing hands-on learning experiences that integrate the arts with core subjects, we inspire creativity, curiosity, and career exploration in young learners.
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts is dedicated to fostering new opportunities for local children through immersive arts experiences. Our BAM Festivals and Summer Camp programs provide hands-on learning that connects the arts to subjects like math, science, social studies, history, and culture. Students engage in interactive activities such as wildlife demonstrations, dramatic readings, acting workshops, and visual arts projects. These programs not only inspire creativity but also offer career exploration opportunities, helping students discover how the arts can shape their future. Through these initiatives, we are nurturing the next generation of artists, thinkers, and innovators.
PROMOTING CULTURAL DIVERSITY
We offer something for everyone! Our programming is as diverse as our audience, reflecting our commitment to making live theater performances accessible to all ages and socioeconomic groups.
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts prioritizes inclusivity by providing free tickets to qualifying non-profit organizations for their fundraisers and communities. Additionally, we offer admission and transportation scholarships, ensuring that schoolchildren from underserved backgrounds have the opportunity to experience the magic of live performances. Through these initiatives, we break down barriers and create meaningful artistic experiences that unite and inspire.