SKANEATELES FESTIVAL

Outreach Program

Widen the Circle Initiative

Our outreach program serves as an extension of our Widen the Circle Initiative.

Widen the Circle is our Diversity Initiative which was adopted by our board in 2022:

1) working with a diverse portfolio of artists

2) reaching out to minority-serving organizations in the surrounding area

3) diversifying our board and staff when the opportunity arises

4) programming music for a diverse array of composers and cultures

Our goal is to “widen the circle” in each new season.

2023: Following Harriet

Harriet Tubman touched the lives of many who fought for freedom. Yet the journey continues today as American society debates what freedom means for individuals and society at large. In 2023, the Following Harriet outreach project invited composers, performing artists, longtime and new listeners to learn from Tubman’s vision, courage, fortitude, and civic responsibility. This is a critical juncture as we emerge from the pandemic with focus, clarity, and vigor about the potential for music to move the needle towards wholeness and inclusion in the Central New York region and beyond.

Six events were held accross Cayuga and Onondaga counties. This year’s venues included: The Seward House Museum, Salt City Market, Red House Theatre, Upstate Cancer Center, Auburn Public Theatre, and Seymour Library.

The 2023 program featured seven Skaneateles Festival musicians. Including Soprano Kearstin Piper Brown who, alongside a string quartet, performed the Festival comissioned piece Fortitude, which was inspired by the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman. As well as our first Young Artist in Residence Saxophonist Steven Banks who participated in 5 of the 6 outreach events this season.