The Savannah Performing Arts Festival is launching an appeal to lovers of the arts to support the inaugural festival which kicks off today, as a major sponsor pulls significant funding for this dynamic two-week celebration. After committing to a significant donation, the company learned that the two-week festival would include events with drag performers and decided to pull their support.  

“We are saddened and disappointed by the last-minute decision by a major donor to pull funding for this festival which celebrates all types of performing arts without prejudice,” said Chris Bass, Savannah Performing Arts Festival Executive Director. “We will continue with our full lineup of planned events, but we are seeking additional funding to make up for this significant revenue shortage. We are appealing to locals and visitors to purchase tickets and make donations to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts.” 

The organizers confirm that all the panels, including “The Art of Drag,” performances, an awards gala, and a full production of "A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder,” will continue as planned from Feb.10-22, 2025 at the Ben Tucker Theater in the Savannah Cultural Arts Center, located at 201 Montgomery Street in downtown Savannah, and other locations around the Hostess City. 

Ticket packages including over 20 events as well as tickets for individual performances, events, and programming are available. For more information about the Festival line up, to purchase tickets or make a donation please visit https://onstagesavannah.com/fest/.