fbpx

Support the Arts

Support the Arts at Livermore Valley Arts

Without the generosity of our donors so many would miss the opportunity to discover the inner creator, hidden talents, develop skills and express their creativity. The community would be deprived of the beautification that comes with the arts and culture experience. Your support helps to bring great actors, painters, singers, artists and the arts to this community.  All donations of $150 or more qualify you for membership. A gift to Livermore Valley Arts helps make the following happen:

0 +

Live music and cultural arts events to the Tri-Valley every year

0 +

Resident companies and community performances and events subsidized annually

0 +

Students and residents engaged with the arts through our education programs

0 +

People brought to Livermore, boosting the local economy

0 +

Visitors since opening
in 2007

Why It’s Important to Contribute to the Arts

Contributions to the Arts benefit everyone. Studies and surveys show that the Arts bring communities together, improve our overall well-being and quality of life and strengthen the local economy. Additionally, the Arts can improve healthcare and contribute to healing.

In regards to Arts Education, Americans for the Arts states that:

1) A student involved in the arts is four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
2) Students with high arts participation and low socioeconomic status have a 4 percent dropout rate—five times lower than their low socioeconomic status peers.
3) Students who take four years of arts and music classes average almost 100 points higher on their SAT scores than students who take only one-half year or less.
4) Low-income students who are highly engaged in the arts are twice as likely to graduate college as their peers with no arts education.
5) 72 percent of business leaders say that creativity is the number one skill they are seeking when hiring.
6) 93 percent of Americans believe that the arts are vital to providing a well-rounded education.

Ways to Give

There are several ways to give and any amount is appreciated, and put to good use. Find one that fits you. Choose how you'd like to give below:

Focus Your Giving

There are other ways you can focus your donation efforts. Click on one of the following to learn more:

Become a Member

Becoming a Livermore Valley Arts Member is easy! You can fill out a quick form online or call one of our friendly representatives. Gifts of $150 or more automatically qualify you for membership to the Livermore Valley Arts with a wide variety of benefits including discounted ticket prices, pre-sale opportunities and invitations to special events. Click below to get started.

To join by mail complete this form and mail to:

LVA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE 

2400 FIRST STREET

LIVERMORE, CA 94550

Matching Gifts

An easy way to increase the impact of your donation is to have your employer match it. Thousands of companies have Matching Gift Programs that will double, or even triple, individual tax-deductible contributions made by their employees, and may also be available to retired employees and to the spouse/widow/widower of employees. Please see your human resource department for more information.

Bricks and Pavers

Your donation of a personalized inscribed brick or paver speaks of your commitment to the arts and the community. It is really the perfect way to show your support individually or as a business, celebrate a special occasion, or honor the memory of a loved one. Act fast, there is a very limited quantity and the deadline to order is April 30th, 2024.

Tribute Gifts

Tribute Giving is a way to recognize, honor, and celebrate people and events that are important to you by giving back to others. Donate in honor of someone close to you. Donate in memory of someone special.

Event Sponsorship

As a live performance or series sponsor, you will reach an educated and affluent audience that supports the arts and frequents our events. By associating yourself with Livermore Valley Arts and the Bankhead Theater, you not only demonstrate your commitment to enhancing the area’s quality of life but also increase your visibility and recognition in our community while gaining access to unique opportunities for brand exposure, client entertainment, and employee recognition. The bottom line – your support for Livermore Valley Arts is good business for your company.

Leave a Legacy Gift

With a legacy gift to Livermore Valley Arts, you can be sure your charitable intentions will be realized while achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available. We are happy to meet with you to talk about your intentions and situation. However, we strongly recommend you consult with your estate planning professional or tax advisor to fulfill your goals for your financial portfolio and tax needs.

Corporate Sponsorship

Livermore Valley Arts gratefully acknowledges the following corporate partners. Their support makes a huge impact in creating a vibrant arts community in the Tri-Valley, helping us to provide high quality entertainment to the entire Tri-Valley, arts education and outreach like East Bay Jazz,  and through our community programs like ArtWalk and cultural events on the Bankhead Plaza.  

We can customize a program for your organization that shows your commitment to a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural community. Contact us today about the benefits of corporate sponsorship at development@lvpac.org

Arts Education Fund

Every year Livermore Valley Arts engages with thousands of students and community members through our Arts Education Programs. Donations made to the Arts Education Fund help to cover the programming and administrative costs for over 50 community and education events and programs including free cultural events on the Bankhead Plaza, school assemblies, master classes, art camps, programs and signature events.

Kenison Producer’s Fund

As a presenter, Livermore Valley Arts brings 40-60 touring artists a year to the community with the Bankhead Presents season series. Some are popular mainstream performers and others may be emerging artists. Donations to the Producer’s Circle help to underwrite Bankhead Presents performances that are considered artistically significant and adventurous while allowing ticket costs to remain low.

Piano Fund

Since opening in 2007, the Bankhead Theater has always housed a Steinway Concert Grand Piano Model D, the golden standard of musical instruments. After 12 years of wonderful use, it was necessary to replace the piano with a new Concert Grand-Model D. The instrument, stored at the Bankhead Theater, recently acquired through the Steinway lease to own program, is the primary piano used for all performances at the Bankhead Theater by touring artists and resident companies. The fund was established to support the purchase and ongoing maintenance of this exquisite piano.

Student Ticket Fund

As part of our commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, student tickets are available for all Bankhead Presents performances at $25. We average about 1,000 student tickets per year. Donations to the student ticket fund go to underwriting the costs of these tickets and allow us to continue our goal of giving the next generation opportunities to experience the arts.

Green the Bankhead Capital Campaign

Since opening its doors on September 29, 2007, the Bankhead Theater has attracted more than 750,000 visitors. On an annual basis the space is activated for events and performances on average over 150 days a year, and use continues to grow. In addition, Bankhead staff are present 364 days. With that level of use as the largest building in downtown Livermore, the Bankhead serves as a centerpiece for the whole community.

The cost to operate a facility this size and the environmental impact can be high, but with some help, we can make this space more affordable, less taxing on the environment, safer and more comfortable for our patrons and staff.

Ultimately, we hope these improvements will qualify the Bankhead Theater for a coveted LEED Certification, indicating it as an environmentally friendly space. Once completed, we will start the process of applying for the Certification.

Donations to the Green the Bankhead Capital Campaign will go towards major capital improvement projects including adding a solar panel array to the roof, changing out the theater lights to more efficient LED bulbs, new environmentally-friendly carpet, new air conditioning units, and administrative and box office remodels.

Resident Company Fund

Do you enjoy our fabulous Resident Companies of The Bankhead? This fund, formed in March of 2023, provides sponsorship and grants for education and outreach to LVA's Resident Companies. When you give to CHEF, 100% of your donation plus the match will directly benefit the Resident Company Fund, which supports the following Tri-Valley arts organizations: Cantabella Children's Chorus, Del Valle Fine Arts, Livermore-Amador Symphony, Livermore Valley Opera, Pacific Chamber Orchestra, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre, Valley Concert Chorale, and Valley Dance Theatre.The cost to operate a facility this size and the environmental impact can be high, but with some help, we can make this space more affordable, less taxing on the environment, safer and more comfortable for our patrons and staff.

Rae Dorough Speaker Series

In August of 2008, Livermore Valley Arts (LVA) and the Bankhead Theater created the Rae Dorough Speakers Series (RDSS), named for long-time Livermore resident and community activist Rae Dorough. Rae was professionally known in the community for over 30 years as active participant in and supporter of charitable organizations and City commissions concerned with health and social issues. The mission of RDSS is to present renowned commentators discussing interesting and timely topics ranging from iPhones to dark matter – in Livermore at the Bankhead Theater. The RDSS goal has been to ensure that the general admission tickets for these renowned speakers are at reasonable prices, high school students in cooperation with the Livermore Joint United School District are admitted free, and other students are admitted at the Bankhead’s reduced young person price. RDSS speakers have included engineers, scientists, fiction and non-fiction writers and historians, entrepreneurs, comedians and entertainers, diplomats, astronauts, journalists, and a Secretary of Defense.

LVPAC 501(c)(3) nonprofit Tax ID #68-0419182.

With a legacy gift to the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, you can be sure your charitable intentions will be realized while achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available. We are happy to meet with you to talk about your intentions and situation. However, we strongly recommend you consult with your estate planning professional or tax advisor to fulfill your goals for your financial portfolio and tax needs.

Leave a Legacy

With a legacy gift to Livermore Valley Arts, you can be sure your charitable intentions will be realized while achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available. We are happy to meet with you to talk about your intentions and situation. However, we strongly recommend you consult with your estate planning professional or tax advisor to fulfill your goals for your financial portfolio and tax needs.

Making a legacy gift to the Center also qualifies you to join the Legacy Society, a group of philanthropic and pioneering members who share a strong bond with LVPAC and a desire to ensure a meaningful, lasting home for the arts in Livermore Valley.

If you have already included LVA in your plans (or if you intend to), please let us know. Contact Chris Carter, Executive Director, at [email protected] or call (925) 583-2311.

We accept a range of planned giving options:

In Your Will
The simplest way to leave a planned gift is to make a bequest including specific language in your will or living trust naming LVA as the recipient. The following is an example of suggested language to include in your will/trust:

“I give and bequeath to the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, a California non-profit corporation, located at 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550, the sum of $____, or ______% of my estate, to be used for the accomplishment of its general purpose (or for a specific purpose as indicated).”

Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is the easiest way to create dependable income for life and help the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer CGAs but can recommend an administrator.

Charitable Trusts
A Charitable Remainder Trust or Charitable Lead Trust allows you to receive an estate or gift tax deduction and create a source of income for you or your loved ones while supporting the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer these trusts but can recommend an administrator.

Real Estate/Appreciated Assets
A variety of assets can be donated such as real estate, appreciated securities, and tangible personal property such as art or jewelry. Donating appreciated assets can help offset income and capital gains taxes. If you are contemplating gifting an investment property or a vacation home, a gift of real estate offers an excellent option for tax-wise giving. You can also include the Center as a beneficiary of real estate or appreciated assets in your will. Please be aware that as part of our gift acceptance policy, all gifts of real estate, appreciated assets and tangible personal property are examined on a case-by-case basis.

Retirement Plan Donations or Life Insurance Policies
You can name Livermore Valley Arts as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401k or 403b retirement plan or life insurance policy. This is a simple, effective way to support the arts while reducing or eliminating significant, often unanticipated tax penalties.

It's Membership March
New Members can join for as little as
$125 for the whole year!

Join by Mail

Download and Complete the form and then mail to us at:
Bankhead Theater
2400 First Street
Livermore, CA 94550

Our Team

Directory

Executive Director
Chris Carter
[email protected]

Director of Finance and Administration
Reanna Bradford
[email protected]

Director of Marketing
Ruth Egherman
[email protected]

Director of Operations
Eric Johnson
[email protected]

Production Manager
Gary Brunclik
[email protected]

Assistant Production Manager
Rachel Anderson
[email protected]

Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Carol Edwards
[email protected]

Facility Manager and IT Coordinator
Julio Gomez
[email protected]

Box Office Manager
Debra Olson
[email protected]

Visual Arts & Education Manager
Anne Giancola
[email protected]

Development Manager
Brittany Mulgrew
[email protected]

Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
Bernice LaRosa
[email protected]

Programs Coordinator
Treg Van Dyke
[email protected]

Marketing Manager
Andrew Kracht
[email protected]

Social Media Manager
Allie Lopiano-Hastey
[email protected]

Food and Beverage Manager
Ann Rice
[email protected]

Development Assistant
Tracy Sahn
[email protected]

Visitor Center Supervisor
Susan Miller
[email protected]

RESIDENT COMPANIES

Get to Know Our Resident Companies

Home to ten Resident Companies with over 270 combined years of artistic experience, the Bankhead Theater’s state-of-the-art facilities enable these organizations to grow artistically and institutionally, develop audiences and collaborate on key projects while maintaining their respective missions and identities.

Cantabella Children’s Chorus

Cantabella Children’s Chorus is a non-profit organization located in the Livermore Tri-Valley. CCC strives to foster and promote the appreciation of choral music in the community through performances at various local corporate and civic functions and churches but above all to have fun.

Del Valle Fine Arts

Del Valle Fine Arts has been presenting outstanding classical music concerts in Livermore for over 35 years. This highly-regarded series offers dazzling performances by acclaimed professional chamber music groups and soloists from throughout North America and beyond. A particular objective of DVFA is to introduce young persons to the appreciation of fine music. To that end, children are admitted free to its concerts, and full-time students above high school can procure tickets at a special reduced price.

Livermore-Amador Symphony

Livermore-Amador Symphony – The symphony offers four concerts a year, as well as a Pops fundraiser. Symphony Guild – If you enjoy LAS concerts, join like-minded people of the Symphony Guild and support this community orchestra! Guild members encourage interest in the symphony and sponsor fund-raising activities. The Livermore-Amador Symphony has received funding from: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, City of Livermore Commission for the Arts, City of Livermore Tourism and Special Event Fund, Livermore Cultural Arts Council, Clorox Company Technical Center-Pleasanton, Target and Livermore Rotary.

Livermore Valley Opera

Livermore Valley Opera combines the talents and expertise of professional music, stage and chorus directors, principal singers, musicians, and designers with the dedication and practical abilities of a volunteer board, adult chorus, stage crew, props master, stitchers, and set builders. Each fall and spring, LVO presents locally produced, fully staged operas with orchestra. Additionally, LVO presents special concerts, events and fundraisers in the winter and “Opera in the Vineyard” in the summer. LVO promotes local talent and attracts outstanding Bay Area singers, directors and conductors.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra

The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) is a 40 piece symphony orchestra composed of professional musicians from throughout the Bay Area. It was founded over 20 years ago by its talented conductor and musical director, Lawrence Kohl. The orchestra combines the precision of a small ensemble with surprising dynamic range and power. PCO is notable for innovative and insightful interpretations of music of all eras.

Rae Dorough Speaker Series

The Rae Dorough Speaker Series features leading thinkers in science, literature and the arts who discuss topical issues of particular interest to the Livermore community in the intimacy of the Bankhead Theater.

Sycamore Strings Academy / Bothwell Arts Center

The Sycamore Strings Academy (formerly Suzuki Strings Academy) carries on a tradition from 1984 of quality music education in the Tri-Valley area. The Academy includes certified Suzuki instruction on string instruments, licensed Kindermusik classes and a popular guitar program. Students perform across the region in year-round concert series.

Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre

Formerly Pleasanton Playhouse, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre presents a variety of audience-pleasing musical theater. As a non-profit, volunteer regional arts organization, we continue our mission to provide affordable quality theatre, training and cultural experiences, with a focus on children and family participation.

Valley Concert Chorale

The Valley Concert Chorale is a chorus of about 40 singers, many of whom live in the Tri-Valley area, including Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Danville. VCC’s director is John Bush and featured pianist is Daniel Glover. If you would like to sing with VCC, why not arrange for an audition? You can audition at any time, and then join the chorus at the beginning of the next quarter.

Valley Dance Theatre

Valley Dance Theatre is a non-profit organization committed to providing exceptional dance instruction and productions to the Tri-Valley Area. Their focus is in classical ballet and modern dance. Each year they present a full-length Nutcracker with a live orchestra, and a Spring show with varying themes.

accessibility at the bankhead

Accessibility

TICKETS
Wheelchair accessible seats cannot be purchased online. You must call our Ticket Office in advance at 925.373.6800 for seating and to ensure your needs are thoroughly met.

DROP OFF/PICK-UP
There is a drop-off/pick-up area located on Railroad Avenue, on the right side of the street, before you reach the stoplight to enter the parking garage.

PARKING
Handicapped-reserved spaces are located on the lower level of the Livermore Valley Center parking garage.

SEATING
An elevator is located on the West end of the main lobby.

LISTENING DEVICES
Assistive listening devices are available free of charge from the House Manager’s Office in the lobby. Please let us know when purchasing your ticket of your special needs.

RESTROOMS
Fully accessible restrooms are located in the main lobby and in the upper lobby.

Support the Arts

Inscribed Pavers

Dedicate one of the decorative paver blocks that frame and define the entry from the Livermore Valley Plaza to the Bankhead Theater. Each size allows you to personalize your dedication and/or message. Once you’ve placed your order we’ll contact you to help you choose the exact message for the paver you’d like to donate.

LOGO & BRICK ART
Permanently commemorate a company or brand, feature your family crest or create your own custom design while supporting the arts with an engraved logo or artistic brick. The image will be etched in black on a sand-colored paver (6×12 or 12×12) or light gray granite tile (24×24). They are visible to thousands of people each year attending a variety of events and performances on the Livermore Valley Plaza and in the Bankhead Theater.

24″ x 24″ – Madden Family Courtyard – $1,500
12″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $1,000
Logo Art Brick – Livermore Valley Plaza $500
6″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $375
6″ x 9″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $150


PERSONALIZED SEATS
Seat donations will be recognized by a commemorative medallion on your chosen chair in the Bankhead Theater as well as on the Donor Wall in the Lobby.

Grand Tier Seats $5,000
Central Tier Seats $2,500
Upper Tier Seats $1,000

Please note: donating a personalized seat does not guarantee the right to sit in that seat for a given performance.