John and Jody Arnhold’s donation will boost creative work in various fields, fund an annual fall festival, and bolster the jazz program.
The Juilliard School, known for its exceptional young talent in music, dance, and drama, is embarking on a new initiative to promote collaboration across disciplines. Thanks to a generous $15 million gift from John Arnhold and his wife, Jody, along with an additional $5 million donation to support the jazz program, Juilliard aims to expand its Creative Enterprise program. This program, established by Juilliard’s president, Damian Woetzel, in 2018, seeks to break down barriers between different artistic fields and provide students with innovative opportunities.
The Creative Enterprise program brings in renowned artists, known as creative associates, such as Rhiannon Giddens, Bill Irwin, and Lil Buck, for residencies at Juilliard. These artists collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, like the recent “Bolero Juilliard” video featuring students and alumni performing to Ravel’s music during the pandemic. The program aims to connect students with the evolving professional world and give them a competitive edge in their artistic careers.
To kick off this initiative, Juilliard is hosting its first fall festival, featuring artists affiliated with the Creative Enterprise program. Composer Nico Muhly and violist Nadia Sirota are working on an outdoor performance of an excerpt from Philip Glass’s opera “Satyagraha,” while flutist Claire Chase and choreographer Pam Tanowitz are collaborating on a performance exploring American experimentalism. This festival provides a platform for artists to experiment, collaborate, and push boundaries in their creative work.
John Arnhold, the donor behind the $15 million gift, was inspired by Woetzel’s vision for promoting interdisciplinary collaboration at Juilliard. Arnhold believes in supporting initiatives that enhance the vibrancy of the school and nurture the next generation of arts performers, educators, and leaders. With these generous donations, Juilliard aims to foster a dynamic environment where students can explore new artistic horizons and develop their skills across different disciplines.
Source: The NY Times
