One World was begun in 1993 as an education outreach program for which co-founders Hartt Stearns and lIuminada created performances and programs designed to enrich students' experiences of the arts and expand their knowledge of various world cultures. That part of our organization, Touring One World, has grown to over 300 performances and workshops each school year, reaching over 50,000 students in grades K - 12. By introducing our youngest community members to the world's various art forms and traditions, One World hopes to foster an understanding of people and cultures different from our own.

From that base, the most evident aspect of One World came into being in the summer of 1999 - One World Theatre (OWT). Technologically advanced and "green-built," the theatre is softly nestled in the hills of West Austin. Resembling a Tuscan villa and described "as unique as the artist...presented," OWT has become known as a premiere forum showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned performers...and a place where magic happens. The very intimate setting elegantly accommodates the performer's artistry and a rapt audience of only 300, and fosters the creation of a most unique experience for all. Following a performance by Mr. Herbie Hancock one reporter wrote "(the experience gave) the surreal sense that one of the all-time jazz greats was playing in your living room."

One World has received high praise from local and regional media as well as nationally known publications. Such acclaim has facilitated the expansion of our seasonal offerings and allowed One World to bring terrific diversity to its stage. Virtuosos such as the aforementioned Herbie Hancock, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, McCoy Tyner, George Benson, Sergio Mendes, Stars of American Ballet Theater, Branford Marsalis, Cowboy Junkies, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Pat Metheny, Little Feat, Mercedes Sosa, America, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and many others. But more importantly, the acclamation and success have brought much needed support to One World, enabling us to continue with our mission of educating and enriching audiences of all ages, nurturing the cultural awareness and artistic potential of our children and building community through diversity.

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