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January 11, 2023

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to receive $20,000 grant from NEA to support Sphinx Series

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to receive a Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000. This grant will support concerts that are part of the Sphinx Series, which is sponsored by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation.

The Sphinx Organization is a national nonprofit dedicated to developing young Black and Latinx classical musicians and helps to bring Sphinx artists and ISO musicians together in concert. Concerts take place around Indianapolis throughout the year. This grant is one of 1,251 Grants for Arts Projects awards totaling nearly $28.8 million that were announced by the NEA as part of its first round of fiscal year 2023 grants.  

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects in communities nationwide,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “Projects such as this one with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra strengthen arts and cultural ecosystems, provide equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, and contribute to the health of our communities and our economy.” 

“The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is grateful for this generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts,” said ISO CEO James Johnson. “Our partnership with the Sphinx Organization has enabled the ISO to engage more meaningfully with our community and we welcome the recognition that this grant provides to a new and valuable musical collaboration.”

To learn more about upcoming Sphinx concerts with the ISO, visit https://www.indianapolissymphonyorchestra.com.

Upcoming Sphinx Series concert dates include:

January 18, 7 p.m., at Butler University’s Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall

February 8, 7 p.m., at the Madam Walker Legacy Center

March 25, 5:30 p.m. at Hilbert Circle Theatre

All concerts are free and open to the public, but tickets must be reserved through the ISO’s website.

For more information about the Sphinx Organization, visit www.sphinxmusic.org

For more information on other projects included in the NEA’s grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the DeHaan Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America. For more information, visit the ISO website.