DeKalb’s longtime community orchestra says grant dollars will help it continue to have a strong impact as it moves into its 60^th anniversary season

The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, Inc. (DSO) was awarded a Bridge Grant from Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2025. The Bridge Grant provides funding for operating support to nonprofit arts organizations, many of which were negatively affected by COVID-19.

“These grant dollars allow arts organizations in Georgia to focus on their primary mission to bring art and cultural events to their communities by relieving the burden of certain operating expenses,” says Georgia Council for the Arts Director Tina Lilly. “Georgia Council for the Arts is excited to help our arts organizations continue to foster economic and cultural vitality in their communities.”

Georgia Council for the Arts received applications from arts organizations across the state. Bridge Grants are available to arts organizations for eligible operating expenses like rent, utilities, programming expenses and marketing. 

“We are thrilled to have the continued support of Georgia Council of the Arts as we work to make an even greater impact on our community,” says Catherine MacGregor, the DSO’s new Interim Executive Director. “This Bridge Grant provides crucial financial support we need to continue realizing our mission of enriching lives through music.”

As part of this year’s Bridge awards, 204 entities in 44 counties receive more than $2.6 million in funding. Funding is provided through appropriations from the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Rescue Plan. Georgia Council for the Arts uses Peer Review Panels to review applications following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts. Panelists are GCA Council members and fellow professionals experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, or are citizens with a record of arts activities, experience and knowledge.

The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra (DSO) presents concerts of traditional & contemporary symphonic repertoire, seeking both the highest level of artistic quality and the advancement of musical awareness and participation among our musicians and diverse audiences. Established in 1964, the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra has served the community by offering audiences high-quality symphonic concerts in a relaxed, affordable setting. The DSO is preparing to begin its 60^th season. Our audiences and players hail from all over DeKalb County and beyond. www.DeKalbSymphony.org Please follow the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra on Facebook.

Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) empowers the arts industry in Georgia and artists around the state to cultivate healthy, vibrant communities that are rich in civic participation, cultural experiences, and economic prosperity. As part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, GCA provides grant funding, programs and services statewide that support this vital industry, preserve our cultural heritage, and create increased access to meaningful arts experiences. Visit gaarts.org.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for arts, film, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit georgia.org.