The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra had received the 2016 Bush Prize for Community Innovation for its accomplishments, visionary leadership, and commitment to service.
The Bush Prize honors organizations for their innovative work in engaging their community. Bush Prize winners will receive a package that includes promotional opportunities and an unrestricted grant equal to 25 percent of the organization’s prior fiscal year budget, up to $500,000 to help the organizations explore new ways to serve the community.
The SDSO had awarded this prize because the organization is shifting the paradigm of what an orchestra can and should be. It also raised different perspectives on how orchestra can engage in problem-solving by asking: “How do we use the orchestra to make our community better?”. The Lakota Music Project and Music as Medicine are the two signature initiatives that embody the spirit of the Bush Prize. The SDSO’s existing programs now serves as the model for the creation of new community engagement activities.
The SDSO committee will make sure to use the Bush Prize to conceive, cultivate, nurture and sustain efforts that will advance the SDSO’s culture of service, innovation and relevance.
For more information, visit the SDSO’s website!
