In a move that’s sending ripples through the world of performing arts, Robert van Leer, the visionary Executive Director of The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, has announced his departure to take on a pivotal role at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Effective early 2026, van Leer will step into the position of Performing Arts Program Director, marking a significant shift in arts leadership that promises to amplify philanthropic support for creative endeavors across the nation.
- Van Leer’s Decade of Innovation at The Wallis
- Hewlett Foundation’s Strategic Push into Performing Arts Philanthropy
- Colleagues and Peers Reflect on Van Leer’s Enduring Influence
- Navigating the Transition: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for The Wallis
- Van Leer’s Hewlett Role: Shaping the Future of Arts Funding Nationwide
The announcement, made on October 15, 2024, during a special gathering at The Wallis in Beverly Hills, California, underscores van Leer’s decade-long commitment to fostering innovative theater and dance programs. Under his stewardship, The Wallis has evolved from a fledgling venue into a beacon for contemporary performing arts, hosting over 500 productions and attracting more than 1.2 million visitors since its 2013 opening. This transition not only highlights van Leer’s personal achievements but also signals a new chapter for both institutions as they navigate the evolving landscape of cultural funding and artistic innovation.
Van Leer’s Decade of Innovation at The Wallis
Robert van Leer joined The Wallis in 2014 as its inaugural Executive Director, bringing with him a wealth of experience from previous roles at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Mark Taper Forum. His arrival coincided with the center’s grand opening, a $200 million project spearheaded by the Annenberg Foundation to revitalize Beverly Hills’ cultural scene. What van Leer achieved in the subsequent years was nothing short of transformative.
During his tenure, The Wallis became synonymous with boundary-pushing performing arts. Notable initiatives included the Launch Pad program, which provided emerging artists with resources to develop new works, resulting in over 50 world premieres. In 2018 alone, the center’s productions drew critical acclaim, with attendance figures surging 25% year-over-year, according to internal reports. Van Leer’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion led to partnerships with underrepresented choreographers and playwrights, increasing representation of BIPOC artists by 40% in mainstage shows by 2023.
“Robert has been the heartbeat of The Wallis,” said actress and board member Laura Linney in a statement. “His ability to blend artistic risk with community engagement has made this space a vital part of Los Angeles’ cultural fabric.” Van Leer’s leadership also navigated the center through unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. By pivoting to virtual programming in 2020, The Wallis streamed over 100 events, reaching an audience of 500,000 globally and securing emergency grants totaling $2.5 million to sustain operations.
Beyond programming, van Leer spearheaded sustainability efforts, installing solar panels that reduced the venue’s carbon footprint by 30% and launching educational outreach programs that engaged 10,000 students annually. These accomplishments have positioned The Wallis as a model for urban arts leadership, influencing similar centers nationwide. As van Leer prepares to depart, his legacy is one of resilience and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the institution he helped build.
Hewlett Foundation’s Strategic Push into Performing Arts Philanthropy
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, a powerhouse in Bay Area philanthropy with assets exceeding $13 billion, has long supported education, environment, and global development. However, its foray into performing arts funding has been more recent and deliberate. Van Leer’s appointment as Performing Arts Program Director in early 2026 represents a bold expansion of this commitment, aiming to channel resources toward equitable access and innovation in the field.
Established in 1967 by the heirs of Hewlett-Packard co-founder William R. Hewlett, the foundation has awarded over $700 million in arts grants since 2010, with a focus on California-based initiatives. In 2022, it launched a $50 million performing arts endowment to address post-pandemic recovery, supporting organizations like the San Francisco Ballet and LA Opera. Van Leer’s role will oversee this portfolio, directing grants estimated at $10-15 million annually to bolster performing arts ecosystems.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robert van Leer to our team,” stated Hewlett Foundation President Larry Kramer. “His proven track record in arts leadership aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering vibrant, inclusive performing arts communities that reflect the diversity of our society.” Under van Leer’s guidance, the foundation plans to prioritize underrepresented voices, funding programs that integrate technology with traditional forms, such as immersive digital theater experiences. This could include collaborations with tech hubs in Silicon Valley, potentially revolutionizing how performing arts engage younger audiences.
The move comes at a critical juncture for arts funding. According to a 2024 National Endowment for the Arts report, performing arts organizations face a $5 billion shortfall in recovery from pandemic losses. Hewlett’s investment, amplified by van Leer’s expertise, could set a precedent for other foundations, encouraging a wave of targeted philanthropy. Early indications suggest van Leer will focus on cross-disciplinary grants, blending performing arts with social justice themes, drawing from his Wallis projects like the 2021 series on racial equity in dance.
Colleagues and Peers Reflect on Van Leer’s Enduring Influence
As news of Robert van Leer’s transition spreads, tributes from the arts leadership community pour in, painting a portrait of a leader whose influence extends far beyond the stages he’s managed. At a farewell event hosted by The Wallis on October 20, 2024, over 200 artists, donors, and executives gathered to celebrate his contributions.
Choreographer Twyla Tharp, who collaborated with van Leer on a 2019 residency, remarked, “Robert doesn’t just produce shows; he cultivates dreams. His vision at The Wallis inspired me to push creative boundaries in ways I hadn’t imagined.” Similarly, Michael Ritchie, CEO of Center Theatre Group, highlighted van Leer’s collaborative spirit: “In an industry often siloed by competition, Robert built bridges. His departure to the Hewlett Foundation will undoubtedly elevate the entire field of performing arts.”
Van Leer himself addressed the crowd with characteristic humility. “The Wallis has been my artistic home, and leading it has been the honor of my career,” he said. “Moving to the Hewlett Foundation allows me to scale that impact, supporting countless organizations that fuel the soul of our communities.” Peers also noted his mentorship role; van Leer has guided over 20 young executives through internships, many of whom now hold key positions at venues like the Kennedy Center.
The emotional resonance of his departure is palpable. Staff at The Wallis have initiated a “Legacy Project,” archiving van Leer’s initiatives through oral histories and exhibits set to launch in 2025. This reflection underscores a broader narrative in arts leadership: the importance of succession planning in sustaining institutional momentum. As one anonymous board member confided, “We’re losing a pioneer, but his principles will guide us forward.”
Navigating the Transition: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for The Wallis
With Robert van Leer set to leave The Wallis by the end of 2025, the center faces the daunting task of finding a successor who can match his caliber. The search committee, chaired by Annenberg Foundation representative Wallis Annenberg herself, has already begun a nationwide hunt, prioritizing candidates with experience in digital innovation and community partnerships.
The Wallis’ recent financials paint an optimistic picture despite the leadership change. Fiscal year 2024 saw revenues of $18 million, up 15% from the prior year, driven by sold-out seasons and corporate sponsorships from entities like Netflix and Disney. However, challenges loom: rising operational costs and audience retention in a streaming-dominated era. Van Leer’s final months will focus on stabilizing these areas, including a $5 million capital campaign for venue upgrades.
Looking ahead, The Wallis plans to honor van Leer’s tenure with a 2026 gala featuring premieres of works developed under his watch. Interim leadership will be handled by Deputy Director Elena Song, who has been instrumental in diversity initiatives. “We’re building on Robert’s foundation,” Song stated. “His emphasis on bold programming will continue to define our future.” This transition period also offers opportunities for fresh perspectives, potentially expanding The Wallis’ reach into hybrid live-virtual formats that van Leer pioneered.
In the broader performing arts landscape, The Wallis’ evolution post-van Leer could influence how other mid-sized venues adapt. With Los Angeles’ arts scene booming—boasting over 1,000 theaters and annual economic impact of $2.2 billion, per a 2023 LAEDC study—the center is well-positioned to thrive.
Van Leer’s Hewlett Role: Shaping the Future of Arts Funding Nationwide
As Robert van Leer assumes his new mantle at the Hewlett Foundation, the implications for performing arts philanthropy are profound. Based in Menlo Park, California, the foundation’s Performing Arts Program under van Leer will likely emphasize scalable impact, targeting grants that address systemic inequities like gender disparities in funding—where women-led troupes receive only 28% of available dollars, according to a 2024 Grantmakers in the Arts survey.
Van Leer’s strategy may draw from global models, such as the UK’s Arts Council England, which allocates 40% of its budget to new works. He has hinted at initiatives like a $20 million fellowship for mid-career artists, aiming to retain talent in an industry plagued by burnout. Collaborations with peer foundations, including the Ford and MacArthur, could amplify this to $100 million in collective funding by 2030.
For The Wallis, van Leer’s departure opens doors to Hewlett-supported projects, ensuring continuity. Stakeholders anticipate a symbiotic relationship, with the center potentially serving as a testbed for foundation-backed innovations. As van Leer embarks on this next phase, his journey from stage manager to philanthropic architect exemplifies the dynamic nature of arts leadership. The performing arts community watches eagerly, poised for the creative surge his influence will undoubtedly ignite.
In the coming months, updates on the leadership search at The Wallis and van Leer’s inaugural grants at the Hewlett Foundation will be closely followed. This pivotal shift not only celebrates past achievements but heralds a future where performing arts flourish through visionary stewardship and generous support.
