Heart of Los Angeles receives NEA grant to support Youth Orchestra Los Angeles at Heart of Los Angeles (YOLA at HOLA)

Grant one of 832 Art Works grants totaling $23.3 million in funding nationwide

Los Angeles, CA (November, 27, 2012) — National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Rocco Landesman announced today that Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) is one of 832 non-profit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant. HOLA is recommended for a $50,000 grant to support YOLA at HOLA, a free music education program that provides participating students with intensive after-school orchestral instruction and academic tutoring. YOLA at HOLA is a partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is directly inspired by Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel's formative experience with Venezuela's music education movement El Sistema. HOLA and the LA Phil share program design, management and financial responsibilities for the program.

"I'm proud to announce these 832 grants to the American public including YOLA at HOLA," said Chairman Landesman. "These projects offer extraordinary examples of creativity in our country, including the creation of new work, innovative ways of engaging audiences, and exemplary education programs."

“We are so thrilled to have the support of the NEA for this program. With YOLA at HOLA, we are creating social change through music and bringing classical music into the lives of hundreds of underserved and at-risk youth and their families,” said Tony Brown, HOLA’s Executive Director.

“We are very grateful for the NEA’s recognition of YOLA at HOLA. This grant enables the program to further its mission of advancing the healthy development of children through music education, enriching the lives of many students who otherwise would not have access,” said Deborah Borda, President and CEO, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

In March 2012, the NEA received 1,509 eligible applications for Art Works requesting more than $74 million in funding. The 832 recommended NEA grants total $22.3 million, span 13 artistic disciplines and fields, and focus primarily on the creation of work and presentation of both new and existing works for the benefit of American audiences. Applications were reviewed by panels of outside experts convened by NEA staff and each project was judged on its artistic excellence and artistic merit.

For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.

Heart of Los AngelesFor more than two decades, HOLA has provided thousands of underserved and at-risk youth with exceptional free after-school programs in academics, arts and athletics, including a new world-class youth orchestra program, visual arts program, college preparation courses and athletic leagues.  HOLA provides elementary, middle and high school programming for a growing population of children who are in urgent need of supplemental services.  Every day, HOLA empowers inner city youth to advance their lives and revitalize their communities through enrichment, personal development and leadership programs. For additional information about HOLA, please contact Tony Brown, 213-389-1148 x235 and/or visit HOLA’s website at www.heartofla.org.

Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA)Through Gustavo Dudamel’s YOUTH ORCHESTRA LA (YOLA) program (http://www.laphil.com/education/yola) – inspired by Venezuela’s revolutionary El Sistema – the LA Phil and its community partners provide free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support to students from underserved neighborhoods, enabling every child to contribute using their full potential. Over the last four years, YOLA has grown to serve over 500 students ages 2-17 in South L.A. and the Rampart District.

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Media Contact: Lee Schube, (213) 389-1148 x232, lschube@heartofla.org