The American Opera Project has announced grant awards totaling in $75,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts to support the recovery of the nonprofit arts and culture sector.

Following New York State’s $105 million investment in the arts for FY2022, NYSCA has awarded more than $80 million since June 2021. As part of this investment, AOP was the recipient of funding through the NYSCA Recovery Fund and its Rapid Restart grants in order to support New York’s return to live, in-person performances.

Two grants were awarded to composer Stephanie Chou for her project Comfort Girl and librettist Kelley Rourke for “Eat the Document,” with music by John Glover and will be used to support the continued development of these new works at AOP.

In a statement, Governor Hochul stated, “The arts have long been a critical sector in our economy, and as we continue to rebuild a stronger New York, it’s essential we do all we can help this industry thrive once again. These awardees represent the best of what New York’s vibrant communities have to offer and with this funding in hand, they will be able to not only continue their creative and inspiring work, but help spur revitalization in their own backyard as well.”