Press Release: Inside the Orchestra Selected as a Grantee of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Arts Innovation and Management Program

Inside the Orchestra will participate in $43 million program

Denver, CO — September 5, 2018 — Inside the Orchestra today announced that it is a grantee recipient of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Arts Innovation and Management (AIM) program. The invitation-only program seeks to strengthen the organizational capacity and programming of small and mid-size cultural organizations within Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Through the $43 million multi-year initiative, Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide unrestricted general operating support as well as arts management training in areas that include fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and board development.

“We could not be more thrilled to first be asked to apply and then be selected to receive this award,” said Shelby Mattingly, Inside the Orchestra’s Executive Director. “The support from Bloomberg Philanthropies will have a significant impact on our operations and will increase our capacity to serve the Denver community in the coming years. Small and mid-size nonprofits are critical providers of services in the metro Denver community, and we are honored to be recognized for the work that we do.”

AIM targets arts non-profits because of the vital role that they play in building communities, driving local economies and supporting artists. “The arts inspire people, provide jobs, and strengthen communities,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “This program is aimed at helping some of the country’s most exciting cultural organizations reach new audiences and expand their impact.”

Bloomberg Philanthropies will develop curricula and conduct seminars for the program in partnership with leading experts, including the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland, led by Institute Chairman Michael M. Kaiser and President Brett Egan. AIM organizations will engage in activities that strengthen their long-term health and goals and will receive one-on-one consultations and implementation support for organization leaders and their boards.

All organizations invited to participate in the 2018 expansion of the AIM program are nonprofits that have been in existence for at least two years. Participating organizations will be required to secure 20% of their AIM grant in matching dollars; reach 100% board participation in fundraising; and maintain up-to-date information in DataArts, an online management tool that assists arts organizations across the country in collecting, learning from, and using data effectively. The grants will be unrestricted to allow recipients to utilize the funds to address their greatest needs.

Since 2011, AIM has helped more than 500 small and mid-sized organizations in all creative disciplines, including theater, visual arts, music, film, literature and dance. Participating organizations reported significant improvements in board development, fundraising and overall income over the two-year program. Watch this video for an overview of the Arts Innovation and Management program:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KJy8DgjRDg&feature=youtu.be

About Inside the Orchestra

Inside the Orchestra is a local nonprofit organization that brings orchestra music to young children in the greater Denver metropolitan community, cultivating music appreciation and enhancing their education through engaging first-hand experiences. Inside the Orchestra is committed to increasing equity among metro Denver’s communities by reducing barriers to the performing arts and ensuring that orchestra music is accessible, approachable, and enjoyable for all children.  By offering  programs at little to no cost to the schools and families with the highest need, all children can participate regardless of any socio-economic boundaries. Each year, Inside the Orchestra brings music to over 20,000 children and adults through two main programs – Inside the Orchestra for Schools, and Tiny Tots. Inside the Orchestra for Schools is an immersive, interactive music program geared toward students in the K -8th grades. Children are seated inside a 14-16-piece orchestra. Conductors and/or teaching artists act as tour guides and educators throughout the program, teaching the kids about the music and instruments as the orchestra performs around them. The kids are treated to up-close-and-personal demos by the strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Scripting is designed to not only introduce music concepts but to tie to the curriculum that children are studying in other subjects. Inside the Orchestra for Schools has English and bilingual programs available. Every Inside the Orchestra for Schools program includes guest performers from cultural partner organizations, access to in-school curriculum, and follow-up programs. Designed for children six and under, Tiny Tots gives young ones the chance to interact with the conductor and the musicians and learn about the instruments in the process. Children are encouraged to respond to different elements of the music, from thinking about how music makes them feel to getting on their feet and moving. They are treated to up-close-and-personal demos by various instruments, introduced to musical concepts, emotional understanding of the arts, and artistic expression. The music selection, design, and scripting of Tiny Tots is geared to connect very young children with music – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Children are also encouraged to take a closer look at the instruments and ask questions of the musicians after the concert has concluded. Every Tiny Tots event includes guest performers from cultural partner organizations. For more information, please visit www.insidetheorchestra.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies works in over 480 cities in more than 120 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2017, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $702 million. For more information, please visit www.bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter.

Media Contact

Bloomberg Philanthropies, Rebecca Carriero + 1-212-205-0182 or rebeccac@bloomberg.org

Contact: Inside the Orchestra, Shelby Mattingly + 1-303-355-7855 or

shelby@insidetheorchestra.org

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