Hosted by the highly acclaimed and award-winning actor and playwright, Denis O’Hare, the Opening Gala will kick off the season in high style with cocktails, a seated dinner, live auction, and exclusive performances by some of this year’s extraordinary artists. For more information, please visit our website: https://spoletousa.org/gala

ABOUT SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA 

For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, orchestral, choral, jazz, and contemporary music.

As the nation’s preeminent performing arts festival, Spoleto produces and presents work of the highest artistic caliber to diverse and adventurous audiences. Through innovation, education, and a commitment to our community, we harness the power of the arts to foster a culture of belonging and deepen and engage the public appreciation for the arts in building a better world.

Contributing to the Festival’s ongoing success is its location in Charleston. Recognized the world over for its stunning natural beauty, impressive array of preserved historical architecture, and wealth of charming performance venues, Charleston provides an incomparable setting for audience members and guest artists alike.

Spoleto Festival USA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

2024 dates: May 24 – June 9

Auction Rules 

Each person wishing to participate in the live auction must sign in and receive a bid number. Once made, all bids cannot be withdrawn. All auction items must be paid in full before the conclusion of the auction or bidder’s departure from the event. Cashiers will accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. All sales are final. There will be no exchanges or refunds. All items are sold “as is” and “where is.” Neither the Gala committee nor the donor guarantee correct representation of the property within the catalog or other related descriptions of physical condition, size, quality, rarity, importance, and historical relevance. No statement anywhere will be deemed such a guarantee or representation. Each purchaser waives any claims for liability against Spoleto Festival USA, members of the auction committee, and/or donors of property or services. None of these will be held responsible for any personal injuries or damage to property that may result from the utilization of property or services sold. Unless otherwise specified, all auction services, restaurant packages, and events must be claimed or used within one year of May 23, 2024. Unless specified, dates and times are to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the donor and purchaser.  

The purchaser will be provided with all pertinent information by Spoleto Festival USA once the item is paid for and within 20 business days after the auction (unless otherwise noted). The purchaser is responsible for claiming such services, restaurant packages, and events through private arrangements with the donor. Reservations for all trips must be mutually arranged with the donor unless otherwise specified. All arrangements for trips must be made at least one month in advance unless otherwise specified. Airfare to and from all travel originations and destinations is NOT included unless otherwise specified.  

Live Auction 

Spoleto Festival USA reserves the right to withdraw any item from sale prior to the call for bids. To enter a bid, the bidder raises their bid number card, which is located on the back of the program catalog. The opening bid is at the auctioneer’s discretion. If he decides any advance thereafter is insufficient, he may reject the advance. The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer will be the purchaser. All sales are final upon the word “sold.” In the event of a dispute between bidders, or in the event of doubt as to the validity of any bid, the auctioneer will have the final discretion to either determine the successful bidder or to resell the article in dispute. Items marked by an asterisk are sold subject to the existence of a bid equal to or exceeding a minimum bid predetermined by the auction committee.