National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $30 million in grants as part of the NEA’s first major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. Included in this announcement is a Challenge America grant of $10,000 to the Georgia Symphony Orchestra in support of the GSO Sensory Friendly concert, which will take place on March 4, 2017. The Challenge America category supports primarily small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations—those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability.
“The arts are for all of us, and by supporting organizations such as the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, the National Endowment for the Arts is providing more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Whether in a theater, a town square, a museum, or a hospital, the arts are everywhere and make our lives richer.”
Georgia Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Susan Stensland relates “It is a tribute to the musicians, staff, and board of the GSO that we have received this grant from the NEA. We are excited to be contributing to the arts and culture of our region in such a positive way, particularly during this very special GSO 66th season. This is a major milestone in our development as an arts organization, and is cause for celebration.”
The Georgia Symphony Orchestra will be presenting this second annual Sensory Friendly Concert designed especially for persons with autism and their families. A new addition to GSO’s educational and outreach program, this concert will give a broad overview of the great expanse of classical music. Sensory sensitive listeners and family members will discover an orchestral experience that invites and welcomes those with autism into the world of classical music, feautring guest violinist John Irrera.
About the Georgia Symphony Orchestra:
Founded in 1951, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra has engaged audiences through imaginative programming, visionary leadership, and critically acclaimed performances. The organization includes the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, the GSO Chorus, GSO Jazz! and the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra.
