Charleston Symphony to Receive $30,000 Award​ from the National Endowment for the Arts

Charleston, South Carolina – January 14, 2025 – The Charleston Symphony (CSO) is thrilled to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $30,000. This grant will support the Charleston Symphony Inclusion Fellowship program. The NEA will award 1,127 Grants for Arts Projects awards nationwide totaling more than $31.8 million as part of the recent announcement of fiscal year 2025 grants. 

“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “It is inspiring to see the wide range of creative projects taking place, including the Charleston Symphony’s Inclusion Fellowship program.” 

“We are deeply honored to receive support from the NEA for our Fellowship program,” said Michael Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Charleston Symphony. “This grant will empower us to continue breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that the future of classical music is more accessible to everyone.”

The Charleston Symphony Inclusion Fellowship (CSIF) is a professional development and mentorship program rooted in the belief that the future of classical music and arts administration should reflect the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. Established in 2021, the fellowship was designed to create meaningful opportunities for up to seven talented individuals who may have experienced limited access to these fields due to systemic barriers such as race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. CSIF is a two-year intensive program offering immersive tracks in orchestral performance and executive management. Along with acclaimed performance opportunities with the Charleston Symphony on the stage and in the community, Fellows participate in professional development and enrichment workshops such as inclusive leadership, public speaking, health and wellness, and career advancement. The program is dedicated to promoting artistic and personal growth, fostering collaboration, and celebrating the unique perspectives, skills, and contributions of each Fellow while helping to shape a more accessible and inclusive future for symphonic music and arts administration.

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

About the Charleston Symphony (CSO)

The CSO’s mission is to inspire and engage our community through exceptional musical experiences and educational offerings. The orchestra serves the greater Charleston community by presenting over 150 events annually featuring Masterworks and Pops series at the Gaillard Center, outreach events, a range of education and family experiences, and free performances. Founded in 1936, the artistic vision of the CSO is to perform and present the highest quality music, and to engage and enrich people of all ages, race, or economic status by exploring, experiencing, and creating classical music.

With an annual budget exceeding $5 million, the organization relies on philanthropic support to cover 55% of annual operating expenses. The CSO employs 24 full-time salaried core musicians and supplements the core with a robust roster of the highest caliber professional musicians from around the country. 

For more information, please visit www.charlestonsymphony.org.