COSTA MESA, CA.- Building on decades of accomplishments that have established it as one of the nation’s most renowned cultural institutions celebrated for its extraordinary performances and impactful education programs, Segerstrom Center for the Arts today announced a bold plan to reinvent itself as a more inclusive, vital force throughout the community while maintaining its recognized commitment to artistic excellence. This institutional evolution, driven by the integration of world-class programming, educational outreach and a new level of public engagement, is supported by a $68 million Next Act Campaign, co-chaired by Stephen T. Fry and Lawrence M. Higby, which has secured more than $42 million to date. Instrumental to this dramatic fundraising progress is the commitment of an extraordinary $13.5 million lead gift from Julianne and George Argyros.

Three transformative projects, complemented by existing programming, will move the Center toward becoming a catalyst for positive change throughout Southern California’s diverse and rapidly changing communities:

· Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, designed by the renowned firm of Michael Maltzan Architecture, reimagines the existing Arts Plaza as a welcoming public gathering place and dynamic town square deeply engrained in the community offering a host of new guest amenities, a public stage and free events and performances;

· Center Without Boundaries program, an innovative model for civic engagement that will focus on responding to needs of individual and diverse communities by forging strategic partnerships between the Center and non-cultural groups throughout the county;

· Center for Dance and Innovation to support Segerstrom Center’s flagship artistic programs, while acting as a catalyst for initiatives that celebrate innovation and creativity. In addition to the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School, the Center’s programs will include the commissioning of new ballets, dance training in multiple genres, Center partnerships with the high-tech, bio-tech/entrepreneur community and others, offering the community new ways of engaging with the performing arts through a broad array of on-site, off-campus and online programs.

Terrence W. Dwyer, president of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, stated, “The power of world class performance to entertain and inspire, and our commitment to community, are at the heart of a bold new vision for Segerstrom Center. Our great opportunity, and motivating institutional obligation, is to now unlock the Center’s full potential to effectively engage all of the wonderfully diverse communities of Orange County. By reinventing ourselves this way, we are entering an exciting new phase in the Center’s history of artistic achievement and community impact. The Center will play an important new public role, not only as a provider of vibrant, vital and world class artistic and educational programming, but also as a civic resource and treasured gathering place for all the people of Southern California.”

John L. Ginger, Chairman of the Board, said, “Once again, Segerstrom Center for the Arts is setting a new standard for community engagement and public programs that equals its commitment to artistic excellence. This would not be possible without the visionary support of community leaders such as Julia and George Argyros, and the Argyros family. On behalf of the Center, the Board and those throughout the years who will come together to enjoy this beautiful public gathering space, I express our deepest gratitude to the entire Argyros family. I promise them that the plaza will always be a vivid symbol of their generosity and exemplary community spirit as well as a spectacular enhancement to our beloved venues.”

Julianne and George Argyros Plaza
The physical centerpiece and most visible manifestation of the Center’s new vision is the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Designed by Michael Maltzan Architecture as a welcoming and vibrant public gathering place, the expansive outdoor Argyros Plaza will offer an array of visitor experiences and guest amenities. The transformed plaza will be an inviting and irresistible place for people to gather and enjoy performances or to simply relax in its unique setting year round.

The plaza is anchored by a large open public space and multi-purpose community stage, balanced by three more intimate green spaces - a Plaza Entry Grove, an Amphitheater Grove and a Community Picnic Grove. The groves offer shaded seating and meandering pedestrian paths. A visually striking grand staircase connects Segerstrom Hall to the plaza level below. The circular geometry of the stair complements the Center's signature architecture and creates an equally distinctive element that enhances pedestrian connections across the complex. Upon exiting the theater, a new observation terrace at the mezzanine level encircles an open air seating lounge. At the base of the stair, a café with relaxed outdoor seating at the ground level provides refreshments, beverages, and food. For more than thirty weekends a year, a vast range of free programming and events will be presented on the plaza, including shows by Southern California bands, family- friendly concerts, a jazz series, films, performances and events that highlight local artists and cultural organizations. The plaza, will also integrate technology amenities that include free Wi-Fi, and enhanced performance lighting and sound.

Julianne Argyros stated, “Orange County has long needed a public space where its communities can come together and enjoy performances and activities of all kinds. George and I, and our entire family, are thrilled to help Segerstrom Center for the Arts transform its plaza into an inviting destination for all: a 21st century town square that will be activated by the energy of community members from throughout Orange County and beyond. Michael Maltzan’s beautiful design will turn the plaza into a work of art in itself, complementing the Center’s gorgeous venues and beautiful performances. We hope other community leaders will join us in helping to create the arts center of the future by supporting the ambitious goals of the Next Act Campaign.”

Plaza architect Michael Maltzan said, “I was honored when the distinguished Segerstrom Center for the Arts, with its iconic performance spaces, commissioned our firm to unify its campus and transform its plaza into a 21st century town square for the Orange County community. Our design for the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza envisions a thoroughly flexible and adaptable site for the widest possible range of outdoor programs and activities, one that is animated by the choreographed movement of the visitors and complementing the activities of the Center for Dance and Innovation and Center Without Boundaries.”

Plácido Domingo, said of the plans, “LA Opera is passionate about making the arts more accessible for everybody, and we share that passion with the Segerstrom Center. The Center has had enormous success with free outdoor events on the plaza, including a screening of LA Opera’s Il Postino. LA Opera’s own exploration of new performance venues, like last season’s live, free simulcast of La Traviata outdoors at the Santa Monica Pier, have been equally embraced by our own audiences. Segerstrom Center’s exciting plans for the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza open the door to expanding the opportunity to engage audiences in new ways, and all of us at LA Opera look forward to taking part in the inaugural season of events there.”