Olga Iglesias Project Receives $25,000 in ARPA Funds from the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The Olga Iglesias Project (OIP) has been awarded $25,000 in federal ARPA funds through the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP) as part of a second round of cultural grants. OIP was selected among 25 arts and cultural organizations in Puerto Rico to receive this funding, which will support its mission of preserving and promoting Puerto Rico’s classical music heritage through educational programs, artist residencies, and operatic productions.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were originally allocated by the U.S. federal government in 2021 to support economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICP has played a crucial role in distributing these funds to strengthen the island’s arts and cultural sector. On January 16, 2024, Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi officially announces the second phase of ARPA cultural funding at a special event at La Fortaleza, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to investing in Puerto Rico’s artistic and cultural development.

“These funds will allow us to expand our impact by bringing Puerto Rican opera and classical music to schools and communities across the island,” said Anthony Cheney Guzmán, Executive Director of the Olga Iglesias Project. “We are grateful to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture and the Government of Puerto Rico for recognizing the importance of preserving our musical legacy and supporting initiatives that make these rich traditions accessible to new generations.”

The Olga Iglesias Project will use the ARPA funding to enhance its educational recital programs, develop new artistic initiatives, and continue its efforts to bring Puerto Rican classical music to diverse audiences. The support from the ICP and ARPA grants underscores the value of cultural institutions in fostering artistic expression and community engagement across Puerto Rico.