Changing lives through diversity in the arts: NOI+F and The Sphinx Organization offer new Orchestral Futurist fellowship

NOI Spinx

Catalyst Quartet photo courtesy of The Sphinx Foundation

As a young black violinist, Aaron Dworkin didn’t see a lot of diversity onstage next to him, or looking back at him in the audience. This distinct underrepresentation of people of color in classical music is a national trend, and what motivated Dworkin to found The Sphinx Organization. Since 1996, it has been dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts.

This year, the National Orchestral Institute + Festival is partnering with The Sphinx Organization to offer a newly created Orchestral Futurist fellowship. Slated to begin in May 2016, this unique opportunity combines administration, orchestral performance, festival curation and community engagement.

The National Orchestral Institute + Festival is partnering with The Sphinx Organization to offer a newly created Orchestral Futurist fellowship.

"The next generation of orchestral musicians not only need to be master artists, but knowledgeable entrepreneurs and advocates for their art,” Richard Scerbo, NOI+F director, said. “This fellowship provides the training and mentorship to be successful change-makers in the field of orchestral music. We are excited to partner with The Sphinx Organization to help us shape the orchestra of the future.”

In between two summers participating in NOI+F, the fellow will work remotely with NOI+F director Richard Scerbo and attend two in-person retreats to help plan future seasons of the festival. He or she will also receive mentorship from The Clarice’s management team in multiple arts administration areas, and work to deepen NOI+F’s ties with its surrounding diverse community.

‘Expanding diversity is so crucial and beneficial because it allows the field to draw upon the widest range of views and experiences…’

“A reciprocal relationship between the art form and the community it must serve is an essential aspect ensuring that both thrive,” André Dowell, chief programming officer at The Sphinx Organization, said. “Expanding diversity is so crucial and beneficial because it allows the field to draw upon the widest range of views and experiences. In this way, the industry will be able find new and innovative ways to make and keep the arts relevant.”

The fellowship provides a monthy stipend, tuition remission from NOI+F, travel, and housing during the festival and retreats. Learn more and apply for the fellowship.