( April 5, 2018 ) The Old Town School of Folk Music announced today it has received one of the largest grants in its history; a two-year "Getting to Know Europe" ( GTKE ) grant totaling €247,407 ( approx. $300,000 ) funded by the European Union to support greater knowledge and understanding of its international role within the U.S. The Old Town School is one of only five U.S. organizations to receive this prestigious grant; others include the University of Pittsburgh, Florida International University, Regents of the University of California, Berkeley and the Ecologic Institute US.
Artists heralding from some of the 28 EU Member States and American artists specializing in music from these areas will be prominently showcased during the two-year grant period. Two of Old Town School's most popular event series, World Music Wednesday and Global Dance Party, will highlight Europe's diverse musical offerings through concerts, artist residencies and educational programs with EU artists. Upcoming concerts include traditional Irish music from John Doyle, Cathy Jorda & Eamon O'Leary ( April 22 ) and Moravian ( Czech ) folk artists Dalava ( May 23 ), while this summer, the School will host designated European Union artists on stage at its popular Square Roots Festival, taking place July 13-15, 2018. Also planned are many other special short-term artist residencies, hands-on workshops, and educational presentations.
"As the largest community school of the arts in the U.S. with a myriad of global connections and world music programs, Old Town School is in a unique position to carry out the mission of this grant," said Old Town School of Folk Music Executive Director Bau Graves. "In addition to sharing the resources, talent and artistry of European musicians and the Old Town School over the next two years, the grant will create lasting connections among local musicians, Old Town School teaching artists and our many collaborating Chicago-based partner organizations that will last long after the grant period is concluded."
Additional European Union-centric programming and details will be announced throughout 2018. Tune into Medium for a special podcast interview with Bau Graves.
About the Getting to Know Europe Grant
Getting to Know Europe ( GTKE ) is a program funded by the European Union as part of its Partnership Instrument, one of the funding mechanisms that enables the EU to take part in shaping global change and promote its core values. GTKE promotes greater knowledge and understanding, within local and regional communities in the United States, of the European Union, its international role, its policies, its culture, and the value and the significance of the EU-U.S. transatlantic partnership.
About Old Town School of Folk Music
Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music is the largest community school of the arts in the U.S. and a non-profit organization committed to celebrating American music and global cultures. Founded in 1957, the Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one's interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited weekly class offerings, private lessons, and over 400 concerts and community events per year.
The Old Town School opened its Lincoln Square facility in 1998 and expanded in 2012. The Old Town School owns and operates three facilities situated in Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park that include 425-seat and two 150-seat concert halls, 64 classrooms, two music stores, a cafe and a resource center. Children's classes are also held at several suburban satellite locations. More information is available at www.oldtownschool.org .