History of The Foundation

The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts was founded in 1976. In the first year after its creation, The Foundation sponsored a series of four concerts to benefit the University of Nevada at Las Vegas Music Department Scholarship Fund. The success of this early venture underscored the importance of establishing and maintaining a regular funding program in support of the country's thousands of promising creative artists.

In 1980, as its first major project, The Foundation launched The Liberace Keyboard Entertainer Search, conducted in conjunction with The Baldwin Piano & Organ Company. The first, yearlong competition, drawing thousands of participants from 75 cities across the nation, culminated in a National Finals event in Las Vegas. At the Finals, the winning pianist and organist each received grants, silver candelabra and the opportunity to perform with Liberace at the Las Vegas Hilton.

That same year, The Liberace Foundation funded its first major scholarship series, awarding $10,000 scholarships to five learning institutions across the country. Over the ensuing years, the ambition and reach of The Foundation has broadened dramatically. To date, funded primarily by proceeds from The Liberace Museum in Las Vegas, The Liberace Foundation has provided more than three million dollars in annual scholarship grants to many of the nation's most prestigious arts institutions.

The Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts and The Liberace Museum are located at 1775 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89119-6529, 702/798-5595.