AT&T Performing Arts Center Presents the 2024 Bravo! Gala

(DALLAS) – Today, the non-profit AT&T Performing Arts Center – celebrating its 15^th anniversary – announced that its 2024 Bravo! Gala will take place on Thursday, November 21 in the iconic Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

This exceptional fundraising event will honor Matrice Ellis-Kirk, a leader in business, philanthropy and the arts. The honoree was a founding member of the Center’s Board of Directors when it was created in 2000 and served as chair from 2016-2020. She was involved in the Center’s creation and construction, and in the 15 years since it opened.

“For more than two decades, Matrice’s commitment to the Center, and to the Dallas community, has never wavered,” said AT&T Performing Arts Center president & CEO Warren Tranquada. “She will tell you from her own life experience, that engagement with the arts can be transformative. Matrice’s visionary leadership and commitment to equity and accessibility have helped ensure that the Center’s mission, programming, education and community programs are available to everyone in this great city.”

The Bravo! Gala evening will be co-chaired by Board Chair Jill B. Louis and Immediate Past Chair Daniel Tobey, highlighting the work of the Center’s five resident companies and featuring performances sponsored by PNC Bank. The evening will be headlined by acclaimed TV and theater star Cedric Neal, generously underwritten by Diane and Hal Brierley. A Dallas native and original member of Dallas Theater Center’s Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, Neal has a long list of theater and television credits and was recently nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance in the musical Guys and Dolls in London’s West End.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
• Time: 6:00pm
• Location: Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House

Each year, the Center’s Bravo! Gala raises funds to support the Center’s arts education and community programs as well as general operations throughout the year. This year’s program will also mark the 15^th anniversary of the Center’s opening in 2009, and of course, celebrate Matrice Ellis-Kirk.

As Board chair, Ellis-Kirk played a major role in resolving in the Center’s remaining construction debt, putting the Center on a solid financial foundation. She also supported the vibrant growth of its education and community programs that serve tens of thousands of students and families each year. This includes ArtsBridge – Powered by Toyota in West Dallas, Disney Musicals in Schools and the Young Women’s Leadership Conference. During her tenure the Center also greatly expanded its support for other Dallas arts organizations, as well as the creation of the Moody Fund for the Arts which provides grants to small Dallas arts organizations. Ellis-Kirk is also a champion of inclusivity, and during her time as chair, diversity on the Center’s staff and board greatly increased. Today, the Center’s Board has the highest level of diversity (43%) of any large, non-ethnic Dallas arts organization. Ellis-Kirk is a recipient of the TACA Silver Cup award for her philanthropic work supporting the arts, and the esteemed Linz Award for her many years of service to the city of Dallas.

The Center’s mission is to be a vibrant cultural hub that provides, operates, and activates exceptional spaces for artists, artistic organizations, and our community.

Single tickets for the evening are now available to purchase starting at $1,200. Underwriting opportunities starting at $5,000 are also available. Visit www.attpac.org/bravo or call 214-978- 2980.

The Bravo! Gala offers a range of sponsorship opportunities that provide exclusive benefits and recognition. For more information on sponsorship packages, please contact Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, Jennifer Perez at 214-978-2846 or email bravogala@attpac.org.