Symphony receives innovation grant

The Richmond Symphony is one of 21 US orchestras to receive grants from the American Orchestras’ Future Fund, awarded by the League of American Orchestras with support from the Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation.

The two-year grants to large and medium-sized orchestras mostly support educational programs and innovative efforts to attract new audiences and perform outside traditional concert spaces and formats.

The Richmond Symphony was awarded an $80,000 grant to support community outreach and audience-building initiatives, including its Big Tent outdoor concerts and VIBE after-school music program. The orchestra’s grant application also cited its Rush Hour casual mini-concerts at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Casual Fridays talks and performances at Dominion Arts Center.

The orchestras receiving funds “were chosen for their ability to influence a positive future for the art form. They are making significant and exciting investments in organizational learning and innovation,” Jesse Rosen, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras, said in a statement announcing the grants.

David Fisk, the Richmond Symphony’s executive director, credited supporters of the initiatives for which it received the grant, including the City of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools, Hardywood, Bon Secours and other business, foundation and individual donors.

The $4.5 million American Orchestras’ Future Fund will make a second round of two-year grants next year.