Joshua Pedde, artistic director of the Indianapolis Children’s Chorus, said the scholarship helps bring the ICC experience to more children. (Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Children’s Choir)
The Indiana Commission on the Arts recently announced that it has awarded $31,002.00 to the Indianapolis Children’s Chorus through the Arts Organizations Grants Program.
During the quarterly business meeting on June 10, the commission approved funding recommendations for the grant program for arts projects and grants for arts organizations. More than 460 applications were reviewed by 85 Hoosiers from across the state specializing in the arts, community development and finance.
“The projects and organizations that receive funding improve the economic and educational climate of the state of Indiana,” said Alberta Barker, president of the Indiana Commission on the Arts. “The commission is pleased to support this investment in Hoosier communities. It is a privilege to highlight the impressive creative work being done across the country.”
ICC will use the funds to continue its mission of providing a high-quality music education experience to children in central Indiana. With programs throughout Indianapolis, surrounding counties, and in Anderson and Columbus, ICC’s programs reach more than 2,500 young people annually.
“Thanks to funding like this grant from IAC, we can continue to bring the ICC experience to more and more children throughout the community,” said Carmel resident Joshua Pedde, ICC’s artistic director. “It’s about much more than just singing. When these children come together and form a choir, they form lasting friendships, learn about leadership, begin to appreciate cultural differences and gain other lifelong skills.”
Miah Michaelsen, executive director of the Indiana Commission on the Arts, said arts and creativity strengthen the fabric of Indiana’s communities.
“They promote connectivity and cohesion, encourage the entrepreneurial spirit communities need to thrive and create the kinds of communities people want to live in,” Michaelsen said. “In each of Indiana’s 92 counties, public funding for the arts and creativity continues to be proven to be a high-return investment that improves the quality of life for every Hoosier and drives economic development within our state.”
Funding for the Indiana Commission on the Arts and its programs is provided by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Since its founding in 1986, the Indianapolis Children’s Choir has grown into one of the largest professional children’s choirs in the world. ICC serves more than 2,500 Central Indiana children ages 18 months to 18 years in ensembles and music education programs. ICC’s mission is to encourage student achievement through quality music education and the pursuit of artistic excellence in choral music performance. To register a child, attend a concert or make a financial donation, visit icchoir.org or call 317.940.9640.
