(The Center Square) – The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has awarded $5.65 million in need-based grants to all 41 eligible symphony orchestra applicants across the state.
The grants are one-time, need-based grants funded by the Symphony Economic Recovery Program. The money is to provide economic support of varying amounts.
“LEO is thrilled to help sustain arts and culture in Michigan and ensure all applicants received funding to enhance their communities and contribute to their financial stability,” said Susan Corbin, director of the department. “This initiative aligns with our vision to make Michigan a place where all people, businesses and communities have the economic means and personal freedoms to reach their full potential.”
The grant period will continue through Sept. 30, 2029. Awardees can use the money for anything including renovation of music halls, instruments, musician staff, administrative staff, professional development, and even marketing and outreach programs.
While orchestras across the state received funding, the largest grants went to Grand Rapids Symphony ($620,000), Flint Institute of Music ($750,000), Detroit Opera ($793,000), and Detroit Symphony Orchestra ($1.25 million).
Just those four grants made up over half of the entire funding, at $3.41 of the total $5.65 million.
These organizations have been regular recipients of state funding, with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra receiving $750,000 in the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget and $500,000 from a supplemental COVID-19 spending bill in 2020.
In 2011, it received $10 million from the state, after facing a significant financial crisis in 2010 which nearly led to bankruptcy.
While the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is the largest orchestra in the state, both by revenue and total employees, its total revenue has been lower than total expenses since the pandemic.
According to the orchestra’s 2023-2024 report:
• In 2022, total expenses were $31.51 million and total revenue was $26.69 million. That left a deficit of $4.81 million.
• In 2023, total expenses were $34.09 million and total revenue was $31.49 million. That left a deficit of $2.6 million.
• In 2024, total expenses were $35.39 million and total revenue was $35.07 million. That left a deficit of $0.32 million.
The deficits represent “the ongoing challenges of fully rebounding” from the pandemic, the orchestra said.
