BOSTON, MA (CelebrityAccess) – Citi Performing Arts Center, the nonprofit performing arts organization that operates Boston’s Wang and Shubert Theatres, announced on Thursday that it has singed a multi-year naming sponsorship agreement with the Boch Family.
Effective November 1st, the deal will see the he historic venues on Tremont Street renamed as the as the Wang Theatre at the Boch Center and the Shubert Theatre at the Boch Center.
The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the Boch family, who operate a multi-billion dollar auto dealership chain, told the Boston Globe that they plan to support the theatre longer than Citi did. Citi's recent payments for naming rights at the venue, with recent payments ranging from $1.1 million to $1.6 million a year, according to federal filings obtained by The Globe.
“We are extremely proud to unite the legacies of two iconic families – the Wang family and the Boch family – through our new relationship with Ernie Boch, Jr.,” said Josiah A. Spaulding, Jr., President & CEO of the Center. “Our commitment to providing free arts education to the community we serve will only be strengthened by Ernie’s own commitment to supporting music education programs through his Music Drives Us Foundation. We thank Citibank for its support over the last ten years, and look forward to continuing our role as the region’s leading performing arts organization for many years to come through our operations as the Boch Center.”
“My family has a long history in celebrating all genres of music and a great respect for the power of the performing arts. The Wang and Shubert are magnificent theatres with great historical value but it’s the programs they provide to the community that are truly inspiring. We’re deeply vested in the cultural and artistic vibrancy of Boston and I’m thrilled be a part of such an important legacy. My foundation, Music Drives Us, will work to support organizations to help keep music in our schools and communities. Together this is going to be an exciting collaboration with a common goal,” stated Ernie Boch, Jr, Pres & CEO of Boch Enterprises. – Staff Writers
