The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant of $52,760 from the Mass Cultural Council (MCC) to help the organization’s continued recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health and safety measures related to the pandemic forced BGMC to cancel live performances—the nonprofit organization’s largest revenue stream—for two years, which caused financial hardship as BGMC pivoted to producing digital content to fulfill its mission and keep its entire staff employed. During that time, BGMC produced more than 100 performance-related pieces of content, including three unique, highly rated television specials on ABC affiliate WCVB Channel 5.
The MCC’s Cultural Sector Recovery for Organizations grant will enable BGMC to invest in measures that will help rebuild audiences and re-establish its outreach and education programs now that it has returned to live performances and in-person engagement.
“During the pandemic restrictions, our videos helped our supporters, fans, and the chorus to feel less alone,” said BGMC Music Director Reuben Reynolds. “But the work was difficult. Choral artists were among the first to cancel shows during the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the last to return to live performance. The generosity of the Mass Cultural Council is vital to our ability to fulfill our mission.”
“We’re grateful for the Mass Cultural Council’s support in our recovery from the effects of the pandemic,” said BGMC Executive Director Sarah Shoffner. “While BGMC is proud that we continued to fulfill our mission to provide musical experiences to inspire change, build community and celebrate difference despite pandemic health and safety restrictions, it took a steep toll on our operating budget. This grant will help us rebuild as we return to entertaining live audiences and serving the community in our full capacity.”
— from a BGMC press release
More: bgmc.org
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