Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's and Season 28 Lineup

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Cindi Younker, Director of Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's, who discusses the center's history and mission as an accessible performing arts venue in Memphis, Tennessee. Cindi explained how the center, established by St. Mary's Episcopal School, maintains its commitment to community engagement through various programming initiatives including main stage shows, educational outreach, and affordable ticketing options. The interview covers the center's operational aspects, including funding through donations and grants, volunteer programs, and community engagement activities, while highlighting its unique role in supporting the arts in Memphis.

Buckman Arts Center's Community Impact

Cindi Younker, Director of Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's, explains that St. Mary's Episcopal School, an all-girls school founded in 1847, established the Buckman Arts Center with a mandate to be open to both the school community and the broader Memphis area. Despite challenges faced by many performing arts centers, St. Mary's has maintained its commitment to community engagement and education, celebrating its 28th season. Cindi, who has been involved for 20 years, highlights the center's unique role in providing accessible arts programming in Memphis.

Buckman Arts Center's Unique Programming

Cindi discusses the unique aspects of the Buckman Arts Center, which seats 288 people, allowing for intimate and creative performances while providing enough audience size for energy and excitement. She explains the center's annual programming, which includes 10 main stage shows featuring internationally famous artists in contemporary dance, world music, and other genres, often balancing well-known acts like Pure Prairie League with lesser-known groups like Scotland's Cantrip. Cindi also highlights the center's efforts to engage the community through educational outreach and collaborations with local nonprofits, while also noting the logistical challenges of staging larger performances and the importance of strategic scheduling to avoid competition with other venues.

Buckman Arts Center Overview

Cindi provides an overview of the Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's, highlighting its accessible programming, including main stage shows, a World Music Series for Kids, and educational outreach initiatives. She emphasizes the center's commitment to affordability, with ticket prices not exceeding $45, and discusses funding through grants, local sponsors, and individual donations to support artist fees and educational programs. Cindi also describes the center's volunteer usher program, dance conservatory, and various community engagement activities, including free tickets for families and workshops with visiting performers.

Buckman Arts Center Operations Overview

Cindi discusses the Buckman Art Center's operations, including their Curtain Club program which offers donors who contribute $1000 or more two tickets per performance and recognition before shows. She emphasizes the center's role in supporting the arts in Memphis and highlights their website, social media presence, and rental spaces for various events.

Visit https://www.buckmanartscenter.com/eve... to learn more about the Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary's and their Season 28 lineup.