The arts have long been a cornerstone of Fort Lauderdale, where sun-drenched shores meet an ever-expanding skyline. At the center of this cultural hub is the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. For nearly four decades, the foundation has been a driving force behind the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, helping it evolve into one of the country’s most respected and beloved cultural institutions.
Since its inception, the foundation has been more than a funding entity—it’s a visionary partner, fueling the dreams of a community that craves inspiration, connection and entertainment. Established in 1985, the foundation has had a simple yet profound mission: to secure the future of performing arts in Broward County. What began as a grassroots movement has become an arts juggernaut, raising millions to bring world-class performances, cutting-edge educational programming and critical facility expansions to life.
“Perhaps, most importantly, the arts are a powerful educational tool, with research showing that students who have access to the arts are more engaged and have better academic results, lower dropout rates, better workforce opportunities and more civic engagement,” says Lisa Kitei, President of the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. This sentiment rings true in every initiative the foundation undertakes. From high-profile galas to quiet but impactful donations, the foundation’s efforts have paved the way for transformative cultural experiences that cater to everyone—from Broadway aficionados to young students taking their first steps onstage.
Over the years, the Broward Center has hosted an eclectic mix of performances, from Tony Award-winning musicals to international dance companies and intimate jazz evenings. This year’s annual celebration fundraiser will include an intimate performance by the iconic Beach Boys featuring lead singer and founding member Mike Love.
But it’s the community programs, funded by the foundation, that have cemented its legacy. Through initiatives like Student Enrichment in the Arts (SEAS), thousands of Broward County students have had the chance to experience live theater—often for the first time. These programs aren’t just extracurricular; they’re lifelines, providing young minds with new ways to think, dream and imagine.
This educational commitment extends far beyond the proscenium. The foundation’s support has allowed the Broward Center to offer workshops, master classes and partnerships with local schools, ensuring the arts remain accessible to all. “The arts build community, serving as a way to connect, impact and inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds and providing avenues for creativity and self-expression,” says Kitei.
In recent years, the foundation has embarked on ambitious projects to ensure the Broward Center remains a state-of-the-art facility. Renovations to the Parker Playhouse and upgrades to the Au-Rene Theater are just the tip of the iceberg. These investments enhance the audience experience and solidify Fort Lauderdale’s place on the national cultural map.
Of course, no institution’s success comes without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic tested the foundation’s resolve, forcing it to pivot and adapt. But even during those difficult days, the organization continued to serve as a beacon of hope, hosting virtual events and finding innovative ways to keep the arts alive. “Foundation support has had an impact on multiple campaigns and countless initiatives of the Broward Center – from the capital campaigns that built and then revitalized the Broward Center and The Parker campuses, the Road to Recovery campaign that ensured the future of the Center after the pandemic and, most notably, the award-winning education programs that became a model for the nation,” shares Jan Goodheart, Vice President of External Affairs of the Broward Center.
Looking ahead, the foundation shows no signs of slowing down. Its vision is as bold as ever: to expand its reach, deepen its impact and continue elevating Broward County’s cultural landscape. New fundraising campaigns are underway, focusing on sustainability and expanding educational programming.
As the Broward Performing Arts Foundation prepares to celebrate 40 years, it does so with quiet resolve but little fanfare. Its legacy is already written in the countless lives it has touched, the performances it has made possible and the vibrant arts community it has nurtured. In Fort Lauderdale, where the arts are more than entertainment—they are a way of life—the foundation’s work remains vital, a testament to the transformative power of culture.
“The Broward Center was the first performing arts center to be built in South Florida, and today it is a world-class, multi-theater complex with an international reputation and a ranking as the #1 venue in Florida and one of the top 10 venues in the world in attendance for theaters its size,” Kitei says.
