Rochester City Ballet receives Shubert Foundation grant

By:
Velvet Spicer
// June 7, 2017

By:
Velvet Spicer
// June 7, 2017

Rochester City Ballet has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Shubert Foundation Inc. It is one of two dance companies of its size to receive grants from the foundation.

“RCB has reached an important crossroad in its journey to becoming a leader in the field of dance,” artistic director David Palmer said. “Becoming a grantee of the Shubert Foundation is a validation of the hard work, excellence and dedication of everyone involved in the institution and the direction we are going.”

The Shubert Foundation is particularly interested in providing support to professional resident theatre and dance companies that develop and produce new American work. It is the only national funder that grants operating support, not project specific support, making it highly desirable and highly competitive, Geva Theatre Center artistic director Mark Cuddy said in a statement.

The 2017 Shubert Grants Program awarded $26.8 million to 533 not-for-profit performing arts organizations across the U.S. Roughly 40 of those organizations were ballet companies.

RCB was formed in 1987 and hired its first professional dancers in 2004. It is one of the youngest ballet companies on Shubert’s list. It joins Garth Fagan Dance as the only New York State dance company outside New York City to receive a grant.

“We had been on the bubble for a few years,” RCB Executive Director Nichole Gantshar said. “The company has grown enough now in depth and artistry, we are able to join this meritorious list that includes Geva and Garth Fagan.”

The Shubert Foundation was established in 1945 by Lee and J.J. Shubert. Foundation Chairman Philip Smith said each of the organizations receiving grants this year has demonstrated and extraordinary commitment to the performing arts.

Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

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