Chicago Opera Theater Receives $800,000 MacArthur Award

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) today was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. The Award recognizes exceptional nonprofit organizations who have demonstrated creativity and impact, and invests in their long-term sustainability with sizable one-time grants.

"Our mantra is 'more of the different,' and receiving this distinct honor allows COT to do just that," said Andreas Mitisek, COT's Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson General Director. "We will be able to continue to attract new audiences, offer new types of operatic experiences and highlight the distinct and unique repertoire that COT exemplifies."

COT's goal of bringing more opera to unexpected community locations seeks to grow the opera audience and reimagine the opera experience. For an art form whose audiences have been steadily declining and aging, these fresh and innovative approaches and productions are essential for opera's future. COT will use its $800,000 MacArthur Award to establish an operating reserve, and conduct research and strategic planning in an effort to ensure that this art form will thrive for many generations more.

The MacArthur Award has been presented annually since 2006 to organizations across the country and around the world that demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness. This year's 14 recipients are drawn exclusively from Chicago's diverse arts and culture community in order to strengthen the city's vibrant cultural life and underscore the Foundation's commitment to its hometown. Each year, MacArthur supports more than 300 arts and culture groups in Chicago, awarding more than $10 million in grants, mostly through general operating support.

"These superbly imaginative organizations exemplify Chicago's thriving arts and culture community, which is vibrant and economically vital to the region," said MacArthur President Julia Stasch. "Support for these diverse and leading organizations reflects our enduring commitment to Chicago and to its cultural life that enriches us all."

According to MacArthur, the Award is not only recognition for past leadership and success but also an investment in the future. For these Awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur's core programs.

Additional information about this year's MacArthur Awards is at macfound.org/MacAward.

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