Indiana Arts Commission Supports Duo Sequenza with Funds for Arts Driving Creative Sector Recovery

Commission Distributes $834,000 in American Rescue Plan Act Funds to 278 nonprofits

Valparaiso-based classical flute and guitar chamber music ensemble Duo Sequenza is proud to announce that it is one of 278 nonprofits across the state of Indiana selected as recipients of American Rescue Plan Act funds. The Indiana Arts Commission announced this week that it has distributed $834,000 statewide through the agency’s Arts Recovery Program with additional National Endowment for the Arts Funds through Arts Midwest, Indiana’s regional partner. 

Based in Northwest Indiana, Duo Sequenza is an internationally lauded concert artist chamber ensemble featuring Debra Silvert, flute of Valparaiso, and Paul Bowman, classical guitar, a native of Chesterton. Duo Sequenza will use its funds to support marketing efforts, integral to its strategic audience development for today’s classical music. 

“As we look toward recovery and the return of live concerts to the stage,” flutist Debra Silvert said, “it’s essential to the future and vitality of our ensemble that we continue to connect with our audiences and build our marketing efforts. We are deeply grateful to the Indiana Arts Commission and Arts Midwest for their support.” 

“We are proud to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest to support the arts organizations across Indiana that are playing a key role in the recovery from the pandemic,” said Lewis Ricci, Indiana Arts Commission Executive Director, in the commission’s release announcing funding. “This funding is a recognition of the value that the creative sector provides to the economic and social health of our state and nation.”

These funds are intended to support arts organizations through what has been a very difficult period for artists. Funds support salaries, fees and stipends, costs associated with health and safety equipment, and marketing and promotion costs. Before funds were awarded, nonprofits were evaluated for their ability to advance the arts, provide relevant activities and access to the arts, and operate through June 2022. Duo Sequenza was awarded $3,000 by the commission. 

“We are so excited to get back to live music performances,” said guitarist Paul Bowman. “The Indiana Arts Commission’s support of our state’s artists and communities is incredibly powerful—and as musicians with Indiana roots who love performing in this state, we couldn’t be more appreciative of the support.” 

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