The Peabody Post

Symposium to Examine Racial Equity and Inclusion in the Performing Arts

Peabody Institute convenes leading performers and presenters virtually on April 27; registration is open now.

Silhouettes of different color faces with the text: The Next Normal IDEAs for the future of the performing arts

On April 27, the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University’s Next Normal symposium will focus on the critical issue of racial equity and inclusion in the arts through presentations and panel discussions facilitated by leaders in the field including participants from the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s YOLA Center, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Center Stage, the Juilliard School, and more, listed below.

Building on its longstanding role of preparing artists to become leaders in their communities, and responding to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peabody Institute has engaged more than 1,300 participants to date in solutions-focused exploration of the long-term challenges facing the performing arts industry – and the potential for a better path forward – though its Next Normal symposium series.

The Next Normal: IDEAs for the Future is a free, virtual event featuring dynamic presenters and panelists from across the cultural industry who will share strategies and examples of artists translating research and lived experience into more equitable and inclusive arts practice. All participants will be invited to share their collective knowledge in examining how we might reimagine the performing arts industry and performing arts training to advance racial equity in the field, diversify the range of creative voices on our stages, and build expanded audiences that fully reflect the diversity of our communities.

WHAT:           The Next Normal: IDEAs for the Future

A free virtual symposium featuring leading artists and presenters examining inclusion, diversity, equity and anti-racism in the performing arts industry.

WHEN:           Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm EDT

WHO:             The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

Fred Bronstein, Dean

with Panelists and Presenters including:

      • Camille Delaney McNeil, director, Beckmen YOLA Center, Los Angeles Philharmonic
      • Carl DuPont, vocalist; scholar; assistant professor of voice, Peabody Conservatory
      • Fredara Hadley, professor of ethnomusicology, The Juilliard School
      • Marc Bamuthi Joseph, vice president and artistic director of social impact, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
      • Jonathan Martin, president, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
      • Garrett McQueen, bassoonist, conductor, producer and co-host of the TRILLOQUY podcast
      • Louise Toppin, soprano; professor of voice, University of Michigan; director of Videmus
      • Richard White, principal tuba, New Mexico Philharmonic and Santa Fe Symphony; professor of tuba, University of New Mexico
      • Stephanie Ybarra, artistic director, Baltimore Center Stage; drama faculty, The Juilliard School

Additional participants are expected to be announced in the coming days.

WHERE:         The event will take place online. Register here:

https://hopin.com/events/next-normal-ideas

MORE INFO: peabody.jhu.edu/nextnormal