FOUNDATION for the PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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The Foundation for the Performing Arts Center (FPAC) brings the transformative power of the performing arts to everyone. We keep the Performing Arts Center's doors open and its stages vibrant — providing free matinees for California central coast school children, making performances affordable for local artists, and ensuring this cultural cornerstone remains a welcoming home for our community. Your support makes every curtain rise possible, just as it has for over 30 years.
Join Us in Supporting the Future of Theater
WE INVITE YOU TO GET INVOLVED
FPAC is the nonprofit foundation supporting the Performing Arts Center’s Christopher Cohan Center in San Luis Obispo as a world-class performing arts venue on the Cal Poly campus. Since the early '90s, we've fundraised to help build and maintain our community's cherished venue and provide access to the stage for local performing artists. Today, we make it possible for thousands of schoolchildren to attend shows free of charge each year. We're advocates who believe everyone deserves access to the transformative experience of live performance.
WHO WE ARE
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From the beginning, the PAC was designed to serve local artists. In 2016, FPAC formalized that commitment by establishing the Clifton Swanson PAC Community Access Fund, named for a dedicated Foundation board leader and Cal Poly music Professor Emeritus who champions local performers. Since then, we've awarded nearly $150,000 in grants to help local arts groups afford this world-class stage—making it possible for hometown talent to share their work with our community.
A Stage for Local Arts Groups
Each school year, thousands of local students—from public, private, and homeschools—experience live performing arts at the PAC completely free. Thanks to our presenting sponsor, the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust, along with support from local businesses and individual donors, we cover every cost: tickets, transportation, and chaperones. No child is left behind because of budget constraints.
Student Matinee Program
Since the PAC opened in 1996, FPAC has provided one-sixth of the venue's annual operating budget—funding that keeps this active facility in excellent condition. With approximately 350 events each year, ongoing maintenance and upgrades are essential. Over three decades, we've funded equipment replacements, renovations, and enhancements that keep the PAC modern and welcoming. As costs rise, our commitment to sustaining this community treasure only grows stronger.
Annual PAC Contribution
WHAT WE DO
FPAC provides 1/6th of the PAC's annual operating budget and has done so since the Center opened. These funds support both long-term and short-term maintenance and operations, keeping the PAC in impeccable condition for patrons. FPAC has made many additional donations over the past 30 years to fund replacement equipment, and assistance with renovation and enhancements to the PAC. With a large, active facility hosting approximately 350 events annually, maintaining its pristine condition and modernity is essential. Additionally, as inflation drives up costs, the need for increased funding will only continue to grow.
Annual PAC Contribution
The School Matinee Program provides thousands of local children from public, private, and homeschool settings the chance to experience educational live arts performances at the PAC each school year. Thanks to the generous support of the presenting sponsor, the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust, along with contributions from additional sponsors, local businesses, and individual donors, all attendance costs are fully subsidized. This includes covering tickets and transportation expenses, making the program entirely free for every student, teacher, and chaperone.
Student Matinee Program
One of the PAC's founding purposes was to provide a world-class venue for local performing arts groups. Clifton Swanson, a past Foundation Board Member and President, has been a steadfast advocate for local artists. In the spring of 2016, the Foundation achieved a long-term goal of supporting local performers by establishing a grant program. In honor of Clif’s dedication, this initiative was named the Clifton Swanson PAC Community Access Fund. Since its inception, nearly $150,000 has been awarded to local arts groups, helping to subsidize the direct costs of performing at the PAC.
A Stage for Local Arts Groups
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Every year, up to 100,000 people experience the magic of live performance at the PAC—from internationally acclaimed artists to beloved local performers. But here's what most people don't realize: ticket sales and rental fees cover less than half of what it costs to keep this venue running. The rest comes from people like you.
Your tax-deductible donation to FPAC directly supports:
→ Free performances for thousands of schoolchildren through the Student Matinee Program
→ Affordable rental rates that make it possible for local arts groups to perform
→ Accessible ticket prices so all community members can attend
→ Facility maintenance and upgrades that keep the PAC welcoming and world-class
Every gift matters. Whether you contribute $50 or $50,000, you're ensuring that the performing arts remain accessible to everyone on the Central Coast today and for generations to come.
YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
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Be part of our story. Your tax-deductible gift sustains the arts in San Luis Obispo County and makes every performance possible.
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