New York City Center Received $5 Million Gift
The donation from Richard and Lisa Witten establishes a permanent dance endowment for the arts organization.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Dance
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New York City Center has received a $5 million gift from long-time supporters Richard and Lisa Witten. The endowment will provide sustained funding for dance performances, education, and community engagement programs at the institution.
Why it matters
This significant endowment secures the financial future of dance programming at New York City Center, ensuring artists and companies can rely on long-term support for their creative work. It reflects the donors' view that dance remains central to the organization's mission.
The donation represents a $5 million injection into a permanent endowment. This builds upon the previous financial foundation established by the Artistic Innovation Fund, which the Wittens helped launch in 2015.
The players
Richard Witten
He is a prominent benefactor who served as the Chair of the New York City Center Board of Directors through the 2025-2026 season.
Lisa Witten
She has been a member of the New York City Center Board of Directors since joining the organization in 2010.
Stanford Makishi
He serves as the Witten Family Artistic Director for Dance, a role responsible for the curation of dance programming at the center.
New York City Center
Founded in 1943, this landmark institution in New York City is dedicated to presenting performing arts including dance, theater, and music.
The details
The contribution officially renames the institution's Artistic Director for Dance position to the Witten Family Artistic Director for Dance. Currently held by Stanford Makishi, the role oversees the curation and presentation of dance companies at the New York City Center facility.
Timeline
New York City Center was founded in 1943.
Lisa Witten joined the Board of Directors in 2010.
The Artistic Innovation Fund was established in 2015.
Richard Witten served as board Chair through the 2025-2026 season.
The $5 million gift was announced in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This substantial endowment reflects a broader shift in the arts sector toward permanent funding models to provide stability against unpredictable box office fluctuations. By moving beyond project-specific grants, the institution follows a growing trend of donors securing legacy positions and long-term artistic consistency.
Patrons can expect continued access to a diverse range of dance companies as the endowment guarantees consistent funding for seasonal programming. The increased resources for education and community initiatives will likely expand public workshop and outreach opportunities in New York City.
The takeaway
Large-scale endowments provide the financial bedrock necessary for arts organizations to plan seasons years in advance. For the public, this translates to a more stable and diverse schedule of world-class performances.
Further reading
Explore the evolving landscape of performance art in the city via our Dance section.
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