TD commits $1.5 million to The Shed’s “Open Call” program to support artists and increase access to the arts
The Shed, New York City's newest arts center, is already renowned for its flexible architectural design that can accommodate an incredible range of cultural events. But for all its versatility – the structure can expand into an adjoining plaza into a vast concert hall – The Shed has one foundational mission: art for all audiences.
It's a concept that completely aligns with TD's aspiration to build a more inclusive future for all through our global corporate citizenship platform, The Ready Commitment. Therefore, it made perfect sense for TD to invest in a three-year, $1.5 million Lead Sponsorship of “Open Call”, a large-scale commissioning program dedicated to developing and presenting new works from artists based in New York City who have not yet received institutional support.
TD’s sponsorship will also fund a program that provides priority tickets to those who typically cannot afford access to the arts including underserved families, residents of the NYCHA public housing, and students at Title 1 schools. The partnership with The Shed embodies TD Bank's values, which include not only a commitment to invest in our communities, but also to enrich the lives of our customers and colleagues.
A sponsorship of this magnitude was only possible with the power of One TD, including funding from numerous lines of business across TD with deep engagement and financial support from Wealth, Commercial, Retail, Corporate and Specialty Banking, TD Securities, Marketing and Corporate Citizenship and TD Charitable Foundation.
“TD is deeply committed to New York City. For us, empowering communities at a local level starts with sponsoring initiatives that strive to make a positive, long-term impact on all individuals, regardless of age, economic status or income level,” said Andy Bregenzer, Regional President – Metro New York. “The Shed sponsorship allows us to connect deeply with this community by increasing access to the arts and providing an outlet for new artists to flourish."
The Roots of the Partnership
The idea to work with The Shed first emerged from the TD Bank's Arts Council, chaired by Andrea Barrack, TD's Global Head of Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, and Naki Osutei, AVP Partnerships and Engagement. Peter Mottek, Head of U.S. Wealth, and also a member of the Art Council soon learned about The Shed, and pulled together a roster of partners from across the U.S. and Canada, including Andy Bregenzer, Regional President, Metro New York; Marla Willner, Head of Corporate and Specialty Banking; Glenn Gibson, Vice Chair and Regional Head, TD Securities; Mike Carbone, Regional President, NJ/PA and Chair of the TD Charitable Foundation; Pat McLean, Chief Marketing Officer; and Shelley Sylva, U.S. Head of Social Impact, TD Bank. This cooperation truly reflected what One TD can accomplish.
"This partnership grew out of TD's shared love and commitment for culture, the arts, the community and the five boroughs of New York City," said Shelley Sylva, U.S. Head of Social Impact. "The Shed is committed to diversity and inclusion and to removing the barriers to the arts. It's the first major arts center to represent the core values of TD."
“Under The Ready Commitment, TD seeks to create more inclusive communities by offering expanded access to the arts and opportunities for new, underrepresented artists", according to Osutei.
"Because The Shed is such a significant project, it's an investment for all of TD," said Peter Mottek, Head of U.S. Wealth. "This partnership only made sense if we got all businesses in the New York City area involved - not just in terms of investment dollars, but true engagement across the board to ensure we were fully connected with the NYC community, our customers and our colleagues across the city."
Increasing Access to the Arts
As the Lead Sponsor of “Open Call” program, TD helps provide emerging artists based in New York City with a platform to leverage their talents. Our partnership will also help fund a program that provides priority ticket access to under-served audiences and underwrite commissioning programs for both early-career and established artists of all disciplines. Additionally, “Open Call” provides New York-based emerging artists working across all forms and disciplines with the support, visibility, recognition and resources to develop and present original new work in this highly visible space alongside globally recognized artists.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SHED'S PARTNERSHIP WITH TD.
How The Shed benefits TD employees
TD's goal to increase access to the arts also means involving colleagues across New York City. As the program looks to remove financial barriers for those who typically have less opportunity to engage with the arts, TD colleagues will also benefit from increased access to local programming at The Shed all year long.
"This is a tangible example of how we are exemplifying our Shared Commitments, particularly to develop our colleagues and enrich the lives of our customers and communities through the arts," said TD's Head of Corporate and Specialty Banking, Marla Willner. "Providing our own people access to emerging talent and breakthrough artists was just as important as engaging our customers and communities. We are excited to see this partnership continue to grow and to evolve for years to come."
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