Prominent metro Detroit arts organizations are collaborating to introduce a new audience development program entitled “Detroit Passport to the Arts” (“DP2A”). For only $89, DP2A will offer a cultural “Passport” that entitles the holder to six varied performances produced by seven different arts organizations over the course of the 2009-10 season. A limited number of 200 Passports will be sold during the program’s inaugural season, with sales slated to launch on August 14.

DP2A is designed to attract new or fringe audiences to Metro Detroit’s cultural institutions by breaking down common barriers such as high cost, perceptions of elitism, and lack of familiarity with the art forms – all factors which often deter people from participating in the arts.

“With an $89 Passport, what purchasers are really looking at is $15 per event. At that price point, people can explore their curiosity about arts and culture in metro Detroit without making a big financial commitment,” states Natalie Bruno, Director of Development for Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and its partner organizations, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival and Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. “It’s ideal for individuals who are on the fence about participation in the arts to learn more about what the region has to offer.”

Each performance will be paired with an exclusive event for Passport holders, featuring activities such as wine or beer tastings, dance lessons, guest speakers and more. Events will occur pre- or post-concert, depending on the venue. Each DP2A event is designed to provide valuable insight into the evening’s performance while adding a social element to the cultural experience. Admission to these events is included in the $89 Passport price.

Administered by Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings and its partners, DP2A will feature the following organizations and performances during the inaugural 2009-10 season. Dates are still being finalized:

Sharon Isbin plays Rodrigo in September

· September 25, 2009: Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Isbin Plays Rodrigo

· November (TBD) 2009: The Hilberry Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

· March (TBD) 2010: The Detroit Film Theatre of the DIA, Oscar-nominated film shorts

· April 10, 2010: Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Dances from the Heart of Rock ‘n Roll

· May 21, 2010: Michigan Opera Theatre, Tosca

· June 19, 2010: Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings/Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Dual season finale

Driven by a Steering Committee of young professionals, the DP2A program supports the notion that the next generation of arts leaders and cultural patrons is likely to come from all professions, walks of life and education levels.

“Programs aimed at developing new audiences are an important investment for arts organizations to make right now,” commented Ross Binnie, Vice President of Audience Development for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. “We need to get young people through our doors – that is the first step towards cultivating a future generation of long-term supporters.”

Laura Nealssohn, Director of Communications for Michigan Opera Theatre, also expressed enthusiasm for the program: “There are lots of individuals out there who are on the cusp of becoming involved in the arts – DP2A is designed to provide an easy entrée for them. Those who are less familiar with the performing arts can “sample” the area’s various offerings, without having to dig too deep in their pockets. It is a great way for them to discover what really interests them most.”

More information about DP2A is available at www.dp2a.org. Details regarding the DP2A Launch Party, to be held in mid-August, will be released on the website shortly. Passports may be purchased in advance by calling the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings offices at 248.559.2095.