MA
Born out of the desire to foster cultural curiosity, Castle of our Skins is a concert and educational series dedicated to celebrating Black artistry through music. From classrooms to concert halls, Castle of our Skins (COOS) invites exploration into Black heritage and culture, spotlighting both unsung and celebrated figures of past and present. Castle of our Skins is deeply aware of the lack of equity in composer representation on concert stages and the omission of important stories and figures in Black history. It is this lack of equity that the group seeks to change. Through carefully designed educational workshops and creative concert programs, COOS aims to highlight the achievements of Black artists and historical figures. The collective’s intergenerational and interdisciplinary concerts range in themes from Black love, African American quilting, and Black Feminism to freedom, civil rights, visual arts, and Black excellence. Through workshops, residencies, masterclasses, lectures, panel discussions, and educational concert programs, COOS works to illustrate the breadth and depth of Black culture. The name Castle of our Skins comes from the celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni’s poem for nina. The poem beautifully captures the sense of adoration and celebration for the very fabric that makes us who we are: our skin.
Additional Content:
Institution/Business Type:
Performing Group
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
2014
Institution/Business Type:
Performing Group
Legal Status:
Nonprofit - Independent
Year Founded:
2014
Primary Discipline:
Music - ChamberAdditional Disciplines:
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Fee range:
$1,000 - $10,000Teaching Settings:
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$1,000 - $10,000NEST Eligible Artist
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Fee Range:
$1,000 - $25,000State of Residence:
MassachusettsMinimum Number of Performers:
2Maximum Number of Performers:
10