ACSO eNEWS provides updates and opportunities for California's orchestras and classical music field.

Deadline for the Kris Sinclair Leadership Award is April 15!

The Kris Sinclair Leadership Award is given to an ACSO member organization that demonstrates impactful leadership initiatives which advance the goals of an organization, including, but not limited, to finance, governance, staff development, audience development, education, and community engagement.

The winning organization will receive a cash award of $5,000 to be used to further advance their organization.

This award is made possible by the Kris Sinclair Fund for Professional Development, consisting of contributions intentionally made in Kris Sinclair's name, to support professional development and technical assistance offered by the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO). Sinclair was the Executive Director of the Association for 31 years and provided members with technical assistance, professional development opportunities, and consultation on a variety of orchestra management topics.


Conference Registration Opens, Monday, April 17

The 2017 ACSO Annual Conference registration will go live with information about breakout sessions, networking opportunities, special events, and much more.  The ACSO Annual Conference centers around the field's needs and is in response to industry challenges and trends for more than 300 attendees.

This year, the Annual Conference is in conjunction with the   National Take a Stand Symposium , which brings together leaders, teachers, researchers, and key stakeholders from around the world with a vested interest in the El Sistema movement and progressive practices in music education. Registration to the ACSO Annual Conference gets you access to the National Take a Stand Symposium - two convenings for the price of one!

Learn more about the Annual Conference at www.acso.org/conference. 

Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation recently announced a new five-year, $8 million addition to its grantmaking in support of the performing arts. In celebration of the foundation's 50th  anniversary, the Hewlett 50 Arts Commissions will enable San Francisco Bay Area nonprofits to work with exceptional artists from around the world to create and premiere new works of performing arts in local communities. 

This year's awards will support music composition, with future years focused on other disciplines: theater, dance, folk and traditional arts, and film and media. Organizations do not need to be arts producers or presenters, and nonprofits working on diverse issues are eligible to receive grants. 

Applications are due by April 14. Full details are online at  www.hewlett.org/50Commissions.


File Your Taxes, Keep Arts in Schools 

If you have yet to file your taxes this year, consider making a tax-deductible contribution on your state tax return in the amount of $1 or more to the Keep Arts in Schools Fund. Donations from the fund are critical to our efforts to increase arts education statewide, and every dollar counts. Just look for the fund in the Voluntary Contribution section of state tax returns. All donations directly support our arts education grantees - we don't hold on to a penny here at the State.

Upcoming Dates and Reminders

April 15
Sinclair Leadership Award Application Deadline - Apply Today

April 17
Conference Registration Opens

May 22
ACSO Board of Directors Meeting - Los Angeles, CA

July 20-22
ACSO 2017 Annual Conference - Los Angeles, CA - Learn More

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