Each season, the Hylton Center invites artists and ensembles with distinctive and innovative artistic voices to make the Hylton their home for a residency, transforming our stages, studios, and labs into creative classrooms where artistic exploration is developed and nurtured. These Hylton Artists-in-Residence participate in a variety of activities, both on site and in the community, that are designed to engage, inspire, and welcome diverse audiences. The Hylton Center is excited to present two 2023–2024 Artists-in-Residence: The Legendary Ingramettes and PHILADANCO!
“One of America's most celebrated gospel groups” (NPR) and recipient of a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship, The Legendary Ingramettes makes its Hylton Center debut on December 3, performing uplifting family favorites and soulful songs. Richmond’s “first family of gospel,” was formed six decades ago by “Mama” Maggie Ingram, who found inspiration in Black gospel male quartets of the 1940s and 50s. With her harmonizing singers, Ingram broke new ground with her female-driven quartet. Now led by Ingram’s daughter Reverend Almeta Ingram-Miller, granddaughter Cheryl Maroney Yancey, daughter-in-law Carrie Jackson, and goddaughter Valerie Stewart, The Legendary Ingramettes inspire audiences wherever they go. They will engage with the community through performances, classes, and workshops throughout the fall leading up to their December performance.
In spring 2024, the Philadelphia Dance Company PHILADANCO!, recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and electrifying performances, takes Merchant Hall stage for the first time on March 15. Formed in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, a barrier-breaking African American ballet dancer, PHILADANCO! launched to provide artistic opportunities and nurture the talents of Black dancers denied places in local dance companies. By participating in the Hylton Center’s Artist-in-Residence program, company members will also work with the community through classes and workshops during the week surrounding the performance. Check out the video below to preview an electrifying performance by PHILADANCO!
The Artist-in-Residence program was launched in the 2019–2020 season as a means of connecting artists performing on the Hylton Performing Arts Center and Center for the Arts series with on-campus activities at George Mason University. The residency program also serves the local community through workshops, masterclasses, and other interactive opportunities for learners of all ages. “The Artist-in-Residence program allows us to extend programming into the community beyond the walls of the Hylton Center. We believe that the arts create community, and having the opportunity to engage with artists more directly offers community members a chance to learn more about the art and in many cases, participate themselves.”—Marit Majeske, Hylton Center education coordinator.
Learn more about The Legendary Ingramettes and PHILADANCO!, and how artist residencies create spaces for transformational experiences to happen.