Opera Idaho

Opera Idaho will receive one of four federal stimulus grants awarded to Idaho arts organizations. Opera Idaho will receive $50,000 to reinstate a Director of Marketing position. The grant is through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and is administered by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The NEA will distribute 631 grants, totaling $29.775 million, to groups in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Over 2000 organizations applied. Other Idaho arts organizations receiving ARRA funding are Boise Contemporary Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and The Cabin. Opera Idaho is one of only 17 opera companies to receive ARRA funding.

The grant is the largest grant Opera Idaho has ever received from the NEA. Previous NEA grants have funded productions of La traviata (2005), The Mikado (2006), Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (2007), and Nosferatu (2004). Opera Idaho last had a Director of Marketing in late 2007. “To have a Director of Marketing back in our organization to help us with the challenges of marketing and expanded season in this economic climate is of immense benefit,” says Opera Idaho Executive Director Mark Junkert. “We are grateful to the NEA and all in our federal government who have made these funds available.”

Opera Idaho also recently received grants totaling $19,559 from the Idaho Commission on the Arts to support the 2009/10 season. The Boise City Department of Arts and History has consistently funded Opera Idaho as one of its six anchor organizations.

See a complete list of  organizations who will receive ARRA grants through the NEA.

Read an article about the NEA grants in The Idaho Statesman.

View the job description and learn more about how to apply on our Job Opportunities page.