By SDCN Editor

San Diego, CA—La Jolla Music Society has received a grant for $450,000 from the Prebys Foundation, part of $30.6 million awarded by the foundation across San Diego County to advance the arts, support youth success, improve health outcomes, and reduce disparities in medical research.

The grant will help support La Jolla Music Society’s efforts and activities in the areas of IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility).

“Our communities are better thanks to the work of La Jolla Music Society. This is why we are proud to invest $450,000 in their work advancing our shared vision for a vibrant and thriving region. We encourage others to support, learn more, and celebrate their work,” says Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation.

Since opening The Conrad, La Jolla Music Society has grown exponentially, going from presenting 45 concerts in the 2018–19 season to hosting nearly 300 concerts and events during the 2022–23 season. As the music organization further ingrains IDEA into all facets of the organization, Prebys Foundation will help to secure The Conrad as a community resource and space of belonging for all. This will include continuing to diversify its programming (this season, 62% of the organization’s artists identify as people of color); pursuing diversity in the audience as well as on its stages; and increasing The Conrad’s ability as a performance, workshop, and presentation space to foster creativity and elevate artists and nonprofits of all sizes and provide free space to the San Diego arts community.  

“LJMS has provided audiences with exceptional artistic experiences for over 50 years. With the 2019 opening of The Conrad, LJMS recognizes it now has not only the opportunity but the responsibility to expand its reach and impact,” says Allison Boles, Director of Learning and Engagement. 

Prebys Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County and works to create an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all San Diegans. The foundation advances excellence and shared opportunity through investments in groundbreaking institutions, ideas, and people to ensure more San Diegans are financially secure, healthy, empowered, and connected. The foundation invests in four program areas: visual and performing arts, medical research, healthcare, and youth success, and pays attention to the impact of its work on climate, the region’s character as a border region, and a robust democracy. prebysfdn.org

La Jolla Music Society contributes to San Diego’s cultural vitality year-round through a rich variety of presentations, including classical, jazz, global roots, contemporary music, and dance. In addition to robust educational programs and community outreach, the music organization produces SummerFest, a four-week music festival each summer featuring world-class artists and ensembles performing eclectic concerts. 

For more information on concerts, visit TheConrad.org or call (858) 459-3728.