setting the stage

building momentum

This landmark campaign expands artist housing, increases musician pay and transforms Walk Festival Hall. For 64 years, GTMF has provided a soundtrack for Jackson Hole. Investments in housing, musician pay and the hall will keep our music playing for generations.

In just two years, GTMF has raised $53M.

• Musician pay increased and housing supported thanks to $16M in new endowment commitments
• Housing transformed by a gift valued at $10M from the Walk Family and Jackson Hole Housing Fund’s construction of 625 Powderhorn
• Construction on Walk Festival Hall is underway fueled by $27M in gifts and pledges

Read the Setting the Stage campaign brochure

The stage is set. Now, we must raise the final dollars to finish the renovation of Walk Festival Hall.

transforming Walk Festival Hall

Walk Festival Hall is special. Its acoustics, intimacy and sightlines set it apart.

The venue is also more than 50 years old. Updates and upgrades are overdue. To serve artists and audiences tomorrow, GTMF must transform the hall today.

our vision:

• Preserve and refine the acoustics
• Increase accessibility and year-round usability
• Modernize amenities and repair essential systems

This is more than a basic renovation. It’s a generational investment that will support the next 50 years of Jackson Hole’s culture, creativity and community.

campaign progress

Construction is underway on Walk Festival Hall and will be closed this summer 2026, reopening until summer 2027. What was once a vision is now visible, tangible progress—with less than $8M remaining to bring it fully to life.

be part of the hall

Name a seat and create a lasting connection to Walk Festival Hall. A limited number of seats are available–$25,000 per seat (limit 2)

As part of the transformation, donors have the opportunity to name seats within the hall—an enduring way to celebrate a love of music, honor a family or leave a legacy within this space.

To get involved, please contact:

Stephen Dyer
Director of Leadership Gifts
email: stephen@gtmf.org
phone: 307.732.9966

Construction is underway. Now is the moment to complete the campaign.

GTMF has achieved musician pay and housing goals and construction on Walk Festival Hall is progress. Finishing the transformation and this historic campaign depends on donors like you.

Your generosity will define what comes next. Whether a modest sum or multi-million-dollar investment, your gift matters. We invite you to join our growing family of supporters Setting the Stage for the future—of Walk Festival Hall, Grand Teton Music Festival and our Jackson Hole community.

To learn more or to support the campaign, contact:

Tim Dodge
Director of Development
email: tim@gtmf.org
phone: 307.732.9952

Tax smart ways to support the campaign

campaign leadership

• Campaign Chair & Board Vice Chair: Susan Jane Sutton
• Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs: Frances & Allan Tessler
• Housing Leadership Supporter: Jackson Hole Housing Fund, led by Margot and Cynthia Walk
• Music Director: Sir Donald Runnicles
• Executive Director: Emma Kail

donor stories

Read more about donors like you who’ve invested in the future through the Setting the Stage campaign.

faqs

Will the Festival be open during Walk Festival Hall’s construction?
Yes – GTMF will present a full season of concerts at locations around Jackson Hole while the Hall is being renovated. Learn more about Season 65 at gtmf.org/season65.

What inspired the Setting the Stage campaign?
The Setting the Stage campaign grew from GTMF’s strategic priorities of ensuring artistic excellence, building long-term sustainability and strengthening community connections. The Festival’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, created in collaboration between the Board, musicians, patrons and staff, outlined increased musician honorariums, stabilized musician housing and an upgraded Hall as goals for GTMF’s future.

How can I support the campaign? 
There are many different ways to include the campaign in your giving. You can give cash, donate appreciated stock, recommend a grant from a donor-advised fund or direct a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA. Some donors are giving one lump sum. Many are spreading payments across 3-5 years. Talk to your advisor about the approach that makes the most sense for you and your family. You can also learn more about tax-smart ways to support the Festival here: Tax-Smart Giving.

I’ve included a gift to the Festival in my will. Does that count toward the campaign? 
Thank you! And yes, your gift in your will, trust or other estate plans will count toward the endowment portion of the campaign as long as:

• You’re 65 or older
• Your gift hasn’t been counted in a prior GTMF campaign

You can use this simple, online form to let us know about your planned gift to the Festival (so it counts toward the campaign). If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of planned giving, please click here.