Artpark successfully raises over $50,000 in contributions to conclude 50th anniversary

Artpark & Company Press Release

In November 2024, Jeff Williams, a member of Artpark & Company’s board of directors for over seven years, challenged his fellow board members to join together and match contributions from the community to celebrate Artpark & Company’s 50th anniversary. If Artpark could raise $50,000 in donations over the final 50 days of the calendar year, the board would match those contributions dollar for dollar.

“It was a big request and a big challenge … and we thank everyone who helped Artpark hit this goal,” Williams said. “As a board member, but also someone who grew up coming to Artpark, this was such an exciting challenge to support Artpark, a place that the community is passionate about.”

Funds raised will continue Artpark & Company’s not-for-profit mission to present creative arts and cultural programming for the community.

“Because of your generosity, we exceeded the goal – thank you!” said Joanne Bauer, chair of the Artpark board. “Artpark has such a rich history, and hearing the Artpark stories and memories – especially from those who live across the country – was magical. We hope you will visit this summer and experience all there is to offer.”

Artpark President Dave Wedekindt added, “The support we have witnessed from our community, as well as from the Artpark board, has been such an impactful experience. We look forward to welcoming everyone for our 2025 season as we continue to create new memories and experiences for all.”

Artpark Director of Development Wendy Diina said, “There aren’t enough ‘Thank yous’ we can give to everyone that helped make this happen. Nearly 200 individual donors, businesses and foundations stepped up to the challenge. And a thank you also goes out to the artists, musicians, politicians and Western New York’s ‘who’s who,’ who submitted video messages wishing Artpark a happy 50th anniversary.”

More about Artpark

Established in 1974 as a collaboration between New York State Parks and the nonprofit Artpark & Company, Artpark welcomes artists to enjoy and be inspired by the dramatic scenery and rich history of the Niagara River Gorge, and welcomes visitors and locals to enjoy the art and experiences created on its 150 acres.

Over the decades, Artpark has hosted tens of thousands of groundbreaking visual artists; cutting-edge theater, dance and cirque arts performers; beloved bands and musicians representing a multitude of genres; festivals featuring local, national and international artists, poets and writers; and more – earning a worldwide reputation as a special place for people of all ages and walks of life to make and experience art.

This living cultural legacy weaves into the area’s history and present-day significance to Western New York’s Indigenous population and the Niagara River and Gorge’s extraordinary natural beauty, accessible to visitors through forested trails, sculpture gardens, and outdoor recreation areas. Artpark is all this and more. Come experience it for yourself.

Visit artpark.net for additional events and information.

The 2025 Artpark season is sponsored and supported in part by: M&T Bank; Cullen Foundation; New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Parks & Trails New York; Modern Disposal Services; Town of Lewison; Niagara County Legislature; New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; Labatt Blue Light; Bud Light; Southern Tier Brewing; Buffalocal; and Northtown Automotive Companies.

The Earl W. Brydges Artpark is being operated by Artpark & Company Inc. for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under a long-term collaborative agreement.