In the last decade, The Lensic Performing Arts Center, formerly the Lensic Theater, has become an essential part of the Santa Fe arts community. Its success has meant year-round inspiring, thought provoking and classic performing arts programs in the City Different.
The Lensic thrives because of the generosity of donors who recognize the value of having a world class performing arts center in downtown Santa Fe: Leaders, Businesses and Friends.
Gifts to The Lensic support 45% of the operating budget and sustain the education and community programs and our artistic partnerships and presentations.
Support from Lensic donors also gives essential dollars to all of the performances on the stage – over 250 each year from a wide variety of nonprofit, educational and for profit organizations. This underwriting assistance allows The Lensic to rent the venue to local groups for deep discounts.
The nonprofit Lensic Performing Arts Center enriches lives by bringing diverse art and people together in the historic Lensic Theater, a cornerstone of downtown Santa Fe since 1931. The Lensic presents and supports local and national artists and serves as a center for education, community and youth events through its accessible and affordable programming.

“How wonderful it is to have the Lensic in our community, not just for its architectural magnificence and not just because at long last this city has a forum for its artistic events, but for the fact that The Lensic obviously has a soul and sense of community by virtue of what you offer to the not-for-profits.”
– Barbara F. Goldman, Executive Director, Rape Crisis Center
Attendees at The Lensic's 2008 Met Opera Gala Performance.