California‘s Sycuan Casino Resort, and the gaming venue’s Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation tribal owner, has disclosed a $1.1m donation to the San Diego Symphony.
The contribution, which is lauded as “the single largest cash gift ever given to the Arts and Culture sector by a sovereign tribal nation in Southern California,” is to be used in support of The Future is Hear campaign as well as other artistic and community programs.
This project supports San Diego Symphony’s artistic and community programs, including construction of a year-round outdoor venue alongside the Embarcadero waterfront.
The Rady Shell is to form the “centrepiece” of the 3.7-acre public Jacobs Park, which is developed and managed by the Symphony.
Designed to host more than 100 concerts and events year-round, the venue has been developed in partnership with the Unified Port of San Diego, with 96 per cent of the $85m cost raised privately by the Symphony.
“We are honoured to present this donation to the San Diego Symphony in support of their many local artistic community programs,” said Cody Martinez, Chair of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.
“Through the Kumeyaay spirit of giving, it is very important for us to invest in all aspects of our community, especially arts and culture. We are very proud of our longstanding partnership with the Symphony and look forward to being a part of the different musical events and experiences that they continue to bring to life for the San Diego community.”
Sycuan’s gift brings The Future is Hear campaign’s total raised to date to $123.5m of its $125m goal. In recognition, the Symphony will establish the Sycuan Community Plaza at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
“We are honoured to have this extraordinary gift from Sycuan to support The Future is HEAR campaign and our community programming,” added Martha Gilmer, San Diego Symphony CEO.
“From their early generosity towards our former ‘Bayside Summer Nights’ outdoor concert series to the newest partnership that will benefit our community programs, they have always been a vital partner for this orchestra. Together we are building greater access to cultural experiences in our region.”