Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) was awarded two grants by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, as part of its initial disbursement of grants for fiscal year 2021. JCSO was chosen as one of the 148 organizations throughout the state that were collectively awarded more than $1 million in funding for operating support (Partner Grant), arts projects (Project Grant), or an Arts Education Program Grant.
JCSO was awarded an FY21 Georgia Council for the Arts Partner Grant, which provides general operating support to arts organizations. This is the second year JCSO has received a partner grant from GCA, which has allowed the symphony to serve the Johns Creek community through new music performances and programs.
“This initial round of funding awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts serves to support the critical work arts organizations and artists are doing in communities to foster connectivity, rekindle joy, and support lifelong learning during these dynamic times,” said GCA Executive Director Karen Paty. “Knowing the challenges faced by our colleagues across the state due to the impact of COVID-19, it was particularly hard to not be able to fund all deserving applicants. The applications we reviewed provided evidence of continued exceptional arts programs in support of education, community development and economic development offered by arts organizations throughout the state. The staff and Board of GCA celebrate that work in all 159 counties, whether or not we are financially able to support it through these grant programs.”
The symphony was also granted an FY21 GCA – Arts Education Program Grant, which will allow JCSO to continue their community program, Meet the Orchestra, where JCSO musicians come together with Johns Creek elementary schools to introduce students to the world of professional music. Students have the opportunity to see the orchestra perform in a chamber setting and interact with the performers.
“JCSO is honored to have the continued support of GCA,” said Music Director, J. Wayne Baughman. “They’ve made it possible to share extraordinary music, performed by some of the best professional musicians in Georgia, in our home town of Johns Creek. We look forward to seeing what the 2020-2021 season brings!”
Funds awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Georgia Council for the Arts uses Peer Review Panels to judge and review applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience and knowledge. Grant recipients include theaters, dance companies, museums, cities, colleges and multi-discipline arts entities. A complete list of fiscal year 2021 grantees in these program areas can be found here.