Launched in 2017 in celebration of the Hewlett Foundation’s 50th anniversary, the Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions was a five-year, $8 million commissioning initiative that was the largest of its kind in the United States. The initiative supported the creation of 50 exceptional works of performing arts and their premiere in the Bay Area through grants of $150,000 to Bay Area nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit organizations received funding to achieve their creative vision in partnership with the commissioned artists. The final round of awards was made in 2022, though works funded by them will continue to premiere through 2025.

The ultimate beneficiaries of the program were local audiences, who were among the first to see the new works that premiered in their communities.

The Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions aligned with our longstanding commitment to providing Bay Area audiences with access to world-class performing arts, and it is our hope that the works will continue to inspire, engage and challenge audiences across the country and around the world for years to come.