HARMAN and John F. Kennedy Center Renew and Expand Partnership to Support the Arts, Music and Education

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and HARMAN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced the renewal of their multi-year partnership. As the official “Sound of the Kennedy Center” HARMAN will continue to provide in-kind product donations and audio expertise to enhance patrons' experiences of the arts, music and education at the historic Kennedy Center.

The project includes outfitting the greatly anticipated REACH expansion area, comprised of three soaring, contiguous pavilions creating 72,000 square feet of interior space open to the public; 4.6 acres of green space and gardens; and a pedestrian bridge over Rock Creek Parkway, connecting the Kennedy Center to Washington, DC’s other memorials. Additional coordination between the Kennedy Center and HARMAN will focus on supporting the upkeep of the Kennedy Center’s extraordinary spaces within the iconic Edward Durell Stone building.

"The cornerstone of HARMAN’s partnership with the Kennedy Center is our shared commitment to education and the arts, through unique programming and community engagement reaching from our nation's capital,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, President and Chief Executive Officer of HARMAN. “This renewal and expansion is yet another testimony to the power of partnerships and a way for technology to deepen and expand the cultural experiences that bind us.”

“This partnership reflects both the Kennedy Center’s and Harman’s dedication to the arts, music, and education,” said Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center – "The Kennedy Center is a world stage; both our audiences and our artists expect world-class excellence. That's why we trust HARMAN, who for more than 20 years has outfitted the Center with lighting and audio equipment that helps make every performance on every one of our stages look and sound exceptional. This fall, we will unveil the REACH, a 21st-century arts center and a stunning expansion of our existing campus. Thanks to HARMAN, the REACH’s new arts and educational spaces will feature state-of-the-art technology. We are so grateful to HARMAN for their long partnership and generous philanthropy."

About HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In March 2017, HARMAN became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

About The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is America’s living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, attracting millions of visitors each year to more than 2,000 performances, events, and exhibits. With its artistic affiliates, the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, the nation’s busiest performing arts center is dedicated to providing world-class art, powerful education, and outstanding memorial experiences to the broadest possible constituency. Across all its offerings, the Kennedy Center is committed to increasing accessible, inclusive opportunities for all people to participate in, and learn through the arts, including more than 400 free performances each year and a variety of Specially Priced Ticket programs for students, seniors, persons with disabilities, and others. To learn more about the Kennedy Center, please visit www.kennedy-center.org.

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