Help fund free performances for the entire community
Since our founding, a core mission of the Inner Arbor Trust has been to provide a "substantial number" of free performances to the community. This began in 2017, just after the Chrysalis opened, with a free concert in partnership with the Columbia Orchestra and two free family dance parties on the Chrysalis. This quickly grew to over 20 free performances per year - all ages concerts with the Columbia Orchestra or Cultura Plenera or children's performances in partnership with Drama Learning Center bringing Junie B. Jones and other literary characters to the stage. The Chrysalis has become an indispensable part of summer in Columbia.
We often get asked “why free?” Free performances are the most fundamental way in which we can meaningfully bring arts and culture to the entire community we serve. Our mission is “to promote and nurture a park in a unique natural setting for a variety of arts and culture experiences that enrich the entire community.” To embrace the entire community we need to make sure there are high quality, inviting performances for no charge. Both to make sure that we embrace everyone across the economic spectrum, but also so we can reduce the barrier to experiencing art, especially something new. Free is far more than an obligation created in our founding documents - free is a conscious choice we make to fulfill our mission.
Help us bring free performances to the Chrysalis for all!