The 2008 festival will continue Light in Winter's unique approach to science and the arts by programming around the theme of "Identity". The New York State Music Fund was created when the New York State Attorney General's Office resolved investigations against major record companies that had violated state and federal laws prohibiting "pay for play" (also called "payola").

The settlement agreement stipulated that funds paid by music businesses would support music education and appreciation for the benefit of New York State residents. The Attorney General's Office enlisted the services of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, one of the nation's largest and most experienced philanthropy services, to develop and manage the grant program.

" We are thrilled to be receiving a second grant from the New York State Music Fund", said Artistic Director Barbara Mink. " This lets us go even further in developing exciting new collaborations between musicians, scientists, and artists, opening up the pleasure in discovering new ideas to even more people."

Special emphasis was placed on reaching underserved populations and broadening awareness of artists, genres or styles with limited access to commercial broadcast or other mass distribution vehicles. An Advisory Panel comprised of recognized leaders from a cross-section of the music world evaluated and recommended applications based on criteria focusing on artistic merit and community impact, and recommended 218 of 402 applications the Fund received for its second cycle.

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