I LOVE that kind of arts philanthropy - so creative and with many social benefits. Art philanthropy is especially challenging. Its social good is recognized, but often determined by some lofty cultural arbiters. It has a metric - butts in seats, tickets sold - but this has inherent challenges, too. And the shrinking audiences would suggest low demand. Arts philanthropists often underwrite exhibitions and operating costs of theater and music, as well as arts education and arts exposure (those discounted tickets, those school visits). What does a philanthropic gift for the operating costs of the opera company achieve? Lots, of course, but it's a rather elite inaccessible art supported by wealthy, mostly white patrons.
This endeavor lets unsuspecting regular people encounter opera in the everyday - perhaps they will be inspired to go to a performance, perhaps they will think opera (and opera singers) are more cool, maybe they will be feel a sense of community engagement and connection, or perhaps it will just bring surprise and joy and to their day, as it did to mine (albeit via You Tube). Enjoy!
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