"Disruption. Action. Change: Creating a More Just and Equitable Arts Ecosystem" is a three-part online series where five performing arts change-makers will discuss the role of disruption as an essential force in pursuit of a more just and equitable arts ecosystem. The series, aimed at the next generation of arts leaders (students and young professionals) and those interested in American music organizations, centers the notion that upending existing organizational policy, bias, and protocols are vital to the future of the performing arts as we know it.

This collaboration between The Eastman School of Music’s Paul R. Judy Center for Innovation & Research and the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance’s EXCEL Lab will feature:
- Blog posts authored by each of the five guests
- Three live Zoom sessions, each featuring conversation and Q&A with our guests
- A summative podcast episode produced by Classically Black

Session 1 (Thursday March 11, 2021 at 4:30PM EST): Ashleigh Gordon (Castle of Our Skins) and Margaret Lioi (Chamber Music America) — Disrupting Traditional Organizational Practice and Taking Risks to Advance ADEI/Anti-racism Policies

Session 2 (Thursday March 18, 2021 at 4:30PM EST): Garrett McQueen (Trilloquy) and Joel Thompson (composer) — Making and Spreading Art that Advocates for Change

Session 3 (Thursday March 25, 2021 at 4:30PM EST): Antonio C. Cuyler (Florida State University/University of Michigan) — Disrupting Performance Practice Traditions and Subverting Stereotypes of the Stage.

Series Wrap-up Podcast with Classically Black Podcast, featuring Dalanie Harris and Katie Brown (will drop on Monday April 5, 2021).

For more information and registration details, visit iml.esm.rochester.edu/DAC