LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 20, 2025) — Recently, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity awarded $5.65 million in need-based grants through their new, one-time Symphony Economic Recovery Program. Among the recipients awarded funding, the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Society received $3,884 and the Macomb Symphony Orchestra received $9,469 to enhance their sustainability and expand their community impact. Celebrating this announcement, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) issued the following statement:
“The visual and performing arts are critical to fostering vibrant, thriving communities, and local symphony orchestras play a key role in that mission. They serve to inspire budding musicians while bringing folks of all ages together in appreciation of music, creativity, and culture. We’re fortunate to have two incredible orchestras who add to the rich fabric of our community, and thanks to the funding they are set to receive, they will be able to grow their reach and share the power of music with even more people.
“This funding also comes at an exciting time for the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Society as they prepare to move to a new home at the Schaap Center. The center is set to become a cultural destination where residents from across Southeast Michigan can come together to learn about, appreciate, and celebrate the performing and visual arts.”
For more information about the grant, click here.
Sen. Kevin Hertel tours the construction site of the new Schaap Center for the Performing Arts in Grosse Pointe Park on October 24, 2024. The center is set to serve as the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Society’s new home once they open later this year.