The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) is proud to announce that it is the recipient of an Organizational Support grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), which provides unrestricted operating funds to nearly 400 arts, humanities, and science organizations with track records of excellence, education, and community service. For this three-year granting cycle, BMOP received the fourth largest award among all orchestras in the state, despite its smaller scale. BMOP, the nation's leading orchestra dedicated exclusively to performing, commissioning, and recording new music of the 21st century, was applauded by the MCC review panel for its extremely high artistic quality, unique programming, and innovative approach to audience outreach.
BMOP remains committed to its highly dynamic orchestral model based on maximum flexibility. With MCC's continued support, the orchestra is able to change its programming freely, vary its size from 15 to 80 musicians, and pursue recording and touring opportunities all while avoiding high, fixed costs of a traditional symphony orchestra. "Looking forward to our second decade," explains Gil Rose, BMOP's Artistic Director and Founder, "BMOP plans to move the organization into a leadership position within the orchestral and new music fields both nationally and internationally, and realize a more sustainable financial model."
With the success of BMOP's annual Club Concert Series, the MCC acknowledged the orchestra's energetic and creative approaches to both programming and audience development. In addition, the panel noted BMOP's effective managerial structure featuring Overseers, Trustees, and Advisory Boards that bring a wealth of experience, insight, and contacts to BMOP.
In September 2007, the MCC announced nearly $8 million in new funding for organizations, communities, and schools across the Commonwealth. These grants support arts and culture in public education, stimulate economic activity, and expand access to the arts, humanities, and sciences in every community in Massachusetts. Other orchestras reviewed and awarded by the panel included the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Handel and Haydn Society.
About the Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences, to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The MCC pursues this mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. MCC's budget for the current fiscal year is $13.4 million, including $12.3 million from the state of Massachusetts and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Wallace Foundation, and other sources. For more information, please visit http://www.massculturalcouncil.org.