The Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras (MASO) is pleased to announce it is the recipient of an FY 2026 grant award of $15,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This funding will support MASO’s Biennial Professional Development Conference, In Practice, taking place June 22-24, 2026 in Bozeman, Montana
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “As we celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary this year, it is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities, and heritage.”
MASO’s Biennial Professional Development Conference brings together nonprofit leaders, arts administrators, musicians, and board members from across Montana for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. The 2026 conference will focus on strengthening organizational sustainability through sessions on fundraising, governance, advocacy, and partnerships with educational institutions. Participants will engage in cohort-based discussions and workshops led by experienced leaders in the arts and nonprofit sectors.
“This investment from the National Endowment for the Arts is a meaningful recognition of the work happening across Montana’s orchestral community,” said Kassidy Conlon, Executive Director of MASO. “By bringing together leaders from across the state, In Practice strengthens the networks, skills, and shared vision that sustain orchestral music in Montana’s communities.”
Founded in 1983, the Montana Association of Symphony Orchestras supports and connects member organizations across the state through advocacy, education, and resource sharing. MASO’s programs – including its statewide music library, the Young Artists Competition, and professional development initiatives – serve thousands of musicians and audience members each year, expanding access to orchestral music throughout Montana.
