Thanks to a financial gift that Associated Bank has bestowed upon the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the bank has been named the lead corporate sponsor of the venue.
Associated Bank announced its support of the Marcus Center earlier this month but declined to disclose the specifics of its monetary commitment.
While the bank has supported past Broadway shows performed onstage at the Marcus Center, its most recent gift represents its most significant, according to Christopher Piotrowski, chief marketing officer of the bank.
The new partnership, to extend for a minimum of three years, will back both the Broadway at the Marcus Center series and the center’s operating and capital costs, so it can rent its space to area performing arts groups at an affordable rate.
Associated Bank focuses much of its philanthropic efforts on the performing arts sector, according to Piotrowski.
“One of our goals is to make sure that we help build strong communities that we not only live in, but we work in,” he said. “And part of a strong community is a strong and vibrant arts and cultural scene.”
Beyond the Broadway series and facility costs, the bank’s partnership with the Marcus Center will entail collaboration on initiatives that benefit students, veterans and multicultural audiences, among other demographics.
The two entities plan to sit down to discuss how to align their visions and goals in the months ahead, Piotrowski said.
