Question: What happens when Juilliard alumni from the Drama, Dance and Music divisions—including multiple recipients of the school’s Artist as Citizen commencement prize—join forces to design a summer retreat for emerging young leaders in the arts?
Answer: ASTEP’s annual Artist as Citizen Conference, taking place this summer from June 4th–10th. Now in its fourth year, supported by President Joseph Polisi and produced by the decade-old nonprofit, Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP), the weeklong summer intensive brings together master artists, thought leaders and professional practitioners from a variety of intersecting fields to focus on the synthesis of Artistry, Activism and Entrepreneurship that makes for a fulfilling and impactful career in the arts. 50 extraordinary Fellows, ages 18–25, are culled from around the world and brought to Juilliard for a week of performances, keynote lectures, roundtable discussions, arts electives and much more. The week combines practical skill-building with personal mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and ample time for private reflection that amounts to a one-of-a-kind booster shot for motivated young leaders hoping to knit together their interest in making a living with their passion for making a difference.
This year we’re thrilled to announce a unique Ambassadorship position designed specifically for current Juilliard students. With the blessing of ASTEP and Juilliard, we’re able to offer two (2) deserving students a fully-sponsored place at the conference in exchange for help with certain administrative tasks throughout the week (leading a tour of the building, for example, or helping to set up a studio space). In other words, the $850 Conference Participants’ Fee would be fully waived in order to make room for two stellar representatives from within the host community. In addition, the two Juilliard Student Ambassadors would be given the option to commute from home, if they so desire, and join the 50 accepted Fellows staying at the Willson Residence Hall at the top of each day. If you’re curious and want to learn more, please visit our website at www.artistascitizen.com. If you’d like to be considered for this unique opportunity, send an email titled “Juilliard Student Ambassador” to artistascitizen AT asteponline DOT org, and we’ll be in touch to set up an interview. The application deadline is March 31. We look forward to hearing from you, and to welcoming you into the larger ASTEP and Artist as Citizen family.
Alejandro Rodriguez is Artistic Director of the Artist as Citizen Conference, and a graduate of Group 38 in the Drama Division.