“Silkroad, the non-profit organization founded by the cellist Yo-Yo Ma and home of the Silkroad Ensemble, has been awarded $3 million by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation,” reads an unsigned article in Friday’s (3/19) The Strad (U.K.). “The gift—the largest in Silkroad’s 21-year history—will support a four-year capacity-building effort to expand educational initiatives for social justice and equity, and to create new musical projects under the leadership of Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens…. ‘This grant is hugely meaningful at a time during which we are focused on re-envisioning Silkroad’s artistic and education programs and growing our social impact work,’ said Giddens.… ‘We will be able to realize our ambitious goals and sustain our commitment to social justice and equity through music and arts education.’ Executive Director Kathy Fletcher added, … ‘With this generous grant award, Silkroad is poised to continue breaking down boundaries and accomplishing its mission of connecting people across race, religion, culture, and language.’ ” Areas supported by the grant will include artistic projects, commissions of new music, educational residencies and curriculum development, community-based events, expansion of Silkroad programs, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, and a new cash reserve.
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