Downey arts groups selected for county grants

The Downey Symphony performs a free concert at Furman Park. Photo by Steve Mansell, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

DOWNEY – The L.A. County Arts Commission on Friday announced the recipients of $4.5 million in grants, including two nonprofits from Downey. 

The commission has provided funding for arts and cultural programming since 1947. For the last 20 years, the program has focused on local small and mid-size arts organizations. 

“We want every person in this county to have access to the breadth, depth and diversity of the arts in Los Angeles,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “These grants support local arts organizations and help bring concerts, theater, exhibitions and school education programs to all 10 million county residents.” 

The Downey Symphonic Society, which funds and operates the Downey Symphony, was chosen to receive $16,800.

The funds will be used to "support performances that regularly feature contemporary composers from different cultures in order to expand the symphony's appeal and accessibility..."

Another Downey organization selected to receive a grant is Japanese Culture and Traditions Inc., which received $3,900 to support the continuation of the annual Coming-of-Age Ceremony in LA.