Wolf Trap Farm Park: The evolution of a partnership

Wolf Trap Farm Park was established in 1966 as the first National Park dedicated to the Performing Arts. When it opened to the public in 1971, it became the first such facility mandated by the Federal government and sustained by a partnership between the public and private sector. The questions that this thesis addresses are as follows: What was the political and social climate that created such a unique endeavor? How has the public and private partnership at the core of Wolf Trap Farm Park evolved over the years? Which aspects of the partnership have been successful and which have not, and what can be learned from this? Why have some programs worked while others have not? How are basic arts management issues such as funding, development, education, programming, and public relations related to the development of Wolf Trap? Has Wolf Trap influenced other performing arts institutions?Chairman: Valerie Morris.