The Dallas Mavericks are pleased to announce a new initiative with The Dallas Opera (TDO), supporting TDO’s education and community engagement programs, beginning this season. Spearheaded by Mavericks Chief DEI Officer Gail O’Bannon – recently elected to serve on TDO’s Board of Directors – and TDO’s Director of Education Kristian Roberts, this initiative is designed to help both organizations build better communities in northeast Texas and achieve more equitable arts access for the next generation.
“Our Dallas Mavericks brand is bigger than basketball,” said O’Bannon. “By connecting the worlds of art and sports, we are investing in the next generation while positively impacting our community. It’s a real WIN-WIN, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to partner with The Dallas Opera.”
The Mavericks’ support will play a major role in TDO’s ability to extend its community impact into more Dallas schools and neighborhoods.
“My lifelong connection to and love of opera began when I first heard an opera—Porgy and Bess—as a kid through a TDO education program, so I know firsthand how valuable these experiences can be,” said Quincy Roberts, Chairman of The Dallas Opera’s Board of Directors. “The Dallas Opera is grateful to the Mavericks organization for partnering with us to bring these programs to more of our community to inspire the next generations.”
“When Gail and I were first introduced two years ago and began discussing the possibility of working together, we both knew that our community had to be at the center,” said Kristian Roberts. “This initiative has been coming for quite some time, and I am excited to be working with an organization that shares an open commitment to DEI and serving our schools and community.”
The Dallas Opera’s existing education and community initiatives currently reach more than 21,000 youth, educators, and their families annually through in-school and out-of-school arts education programs; free, low- and no-cost performances including student matinees and its family concert series; and the OperaTruck, which travels the area providing free, outdoor family-friendly programs in community settings.
