1st Edition
Access, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Cultural Organizations Insights from the Careers of Executive Opera Managers of Color in the US
Analyzing the lack of diversity among opera executives, this book examines the careers of executive opera managers of color in the U.S. By interrogating the impact of race on arts managers’ careers, the author contemplates how opera might attract and retain more racially diverse arts managers to ensure its future.
With a focus on the U.S., research is contextualized via qualitative data to explore, enhance, and institutionalize access, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in the opera industry. In a revealing series of expert-conducted interviews, the author poses illuminating questions, such as:
- what if an inability to recruit and retain diverse executives is the primary source of opera’s challenges?
- if more racially diverse opera executives existed, would the art form persist in struggling to find its place in contemporary society?
- from where will the next generation of diverse opera managers emerge?
As the magnitude of the global diversity problem grows within the creative and cultural industries, this book serves as a guide for Arts Management practitioners and students who may view their class, different ability, ethnicity, gender, race, or sexual orientation as a liability in their pursuit of executive careers.
Act I
1. Introduction
Act II: Career Narratives
2. Henry Akina: From Stage Director to Artistic Director of Hawaii Opera Theatre
3. Torrie Allen: From Singer to General/Artistic Director of Anchorage Opera
4. Wayne Brown: From Orchestra Manager to President & CEO of Michigan Opera Theatre
5. Michael Ching: From Composer to General/Artistic Director of Opera Memphis
6. Linda Jackson: From Stage Manager to Managing Director of Connecticut Opera
7. Maestro Willie Anthony Waters: From Conductor to General Artistic Director of Connecticut Opera
Act III
8. Finale
Biography
Antonio C. Cuyler, Ph.D. is Director of the MA Program and Associate Professor of Arts Administration at Florida State University, USA.
'An incredibly important book – of the moment in terms of major debates in the cultural sector.' Dave O'Brien, New Books Network Podcast
'A critical and timely read – and a call for action – for all those working toward a just, vibrant and meaningful classical music world.' Kristina Kolbe, The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society
'Antonio C. Cuyler’s transformative book Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cultural Organizations masterfully shares an in depth examination of six opera executives of color and their career trajectories—their triumphs, challenges, and resilience in the traditionally White U. S. opera workforce.' Tobie S. Stein, Professor Emerita, Brooklyn College, CUNY, USA and author of "Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Performing Arts Workforce"
