The Wallace Foundation today announced the Chicago Sinfonietta as one of only 18
arts organizations founded by, with, and for communities of Color (and the sole
orchestra) to be part of the Foundation’s “first phase of a new five-year arts
initiative… to foster equitable improvements in the arts”.
Said President and Chief Executive Officer Blake-Anthony Johnson, “This
transformative gift is an investment in Chicago Sinfonietta, a national treasure, an
investment in the City of Chicago, and an investment not only in the national
symphonic music landscape but in the future of the field globally. This recognition
and support of our vision allows Chicago Sinfonietta to continue to learn, lead and
continue to expand our commitment to communities as America’s 21st century
orchestra.”
Selected from over 250 applicants, the other grantees of the national initiative are:
1Hood Media (Pittsburgh, Pa.); Arab American National Museum (Dearborn, Mich.);
BlackStar (Philadelphia, Pa.); EastSide Arts Alliance, Black Cultural Zone, and Artist
As First Responder (Oakland, Calif.); Esperanza Peace and Justice Center (San
Antonio, Texas); Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts +
Culture (Charlotte, N.C.); Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico (San Juan,
Puerto Rico); PHILADANCO!The Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadelphia, Pa.);
Pillsbury House + Theatre (Minneapolis, Minn.); Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling
Theater (Manhattan and Bronx, N.Y.); Queer Women of Color Media Arts
Project (San Francisco, Calif.); Ragamala Dance Company (Minneapolis, Minn.);
Rebuild Foundation (Chicago, Ill.); Self Help Graphics & Art (Los Angeles, Calif.);
Theater Mu (Saint Paul, Minn.) The Laundromat Project (Brooklyn, N.Y.); and The
Union for Contemporary Art (Omaha, Neb.).
