Raynier Institute & Foundation Donates $1 Million to Experience Music Project

SEATTLE -- Feb. 24, 2005 -- Seattle-based Raynier Institute & Foundation announces plans to donate $1 million to Experience Music Project(C) (EMP) in an effort to encourage public support to the interactive music museum. EMP will honor the donation by naming a prominent, main level gallery The No Wasted Notes Gallery, the name under which Raynier Institute & Foundation operates for music-related events.


Raynier Institute & Foundation was founded in 1994 and is a private operating foundation funding a variety of charitable causes throughout the country.

“Raynier Institute & Foundation is a strong supporter of the programs EMP offers to music enthusiasts and the educational community,” said Raynier Institute & Foundation Executive Director Jeff Hauser. “Paul Allen funded the creation of EMP, but the museum needs to be self-sustaining. The continuation and growth of EMP depends greatly on support from local corporations, foundations and individuals.”

A long-time supporter of EMP events, Raynier Institute & Foundation has been the lead sponsor of EMP’s major annual event, Jazz in January, which is a month-long series that features jazz concerts and educational programs. EMP’s core focus on education is expressed through a wide variety of programs, ranging from school group visits, summer camps and teacher training to the academic Pop Conference and Sound Off! underage band contest.

“The generosity of Raynier Institute & Foundation is heartening,” said EMP Director of Programming Robert Santelli. “The donation will be used to fund existing and future music education programs and enhance the entire experience of EMP.”

Celebrating its fifth birthday in 2005, EMP is a hands-on museum where people can learn to play the guitar, jam to a crowd of screaming virtual fans, sing a tune, or maybe even write one. Visitors connect with the soul of pop culture through a rotating collection of more than 100,000 legendary music artifacts, ranging from shattered Jimi Hendrix guitars to hand-written Kurt Cobain lyrics. It all happens inside Seattle’s most unmistakable landmark, designed by world-renowned architect Frank O. Gehry. EMP was founded by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, under the direction of co-founder Jody Patton. EMP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to preserving pop music and culture while educating visitors of all ages through diverse programming and exhibits. Featured in 2005 is the exhibit Bob Dylan’s American Journey 1956-1966. More information at www.emplive.com

Founded in 1994 by James Widener Ray, the Raynier Institute & Foundation is a private operating foundation with the mission of funding individuals, organizations and charitable causes that will carry out projects and programs of high merit for the betterment of humanity. Raynier Institute & Foundation acts as the originator of its entire grant-making activity and does not accept unsolicited grant applications. For more information visit www.raynier.org.

Contact Information

Paige Prill

Media Contact

Experience Music Project

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