October 2, 2017 | Theatre, Notes From Leadership,

Co-Artistic Director P. Carl Named a Ford Foundation Fellow

 

ArtsEmerson, HowlRound, and Emerson College are proud to share the Ford Foundation’s announcement today, that P. Carl, PhD., is one of the 25 new Artists for Change Fellows. The fellowships will support visionary artists and cultural leaders in creating powerful works of art that help advance freedom, justice, and inclusion, and strengthen our democracy.

According to the Ford Foundation, “the artists and cultural leaders selected for Art of Change fellowships all have a demonstrated commitment to social justice, and reflect a powerful diversity of experiences and creative voices. Drawn from a wide range of artistic fields, the fellows span generations, backgrounds, geographies, and life experiences—and together tell a rich and varied American story.” Click here to read the full Ford Foundation press release.

“I am overwhelmed by this honor,” P. Carl shares, “to be included in a group of artists who have so heavily influenced my life and my own creativity. This is the kind of thing you dream about but don’t really expect. The Ford Foundation is a leader in insisting that art and social justice belong in the same sentence and to be recognized by them in this way is both a gift and a responsibility.”

“Emerson College is thrilled about the appointment of ArtsEmerson co-artistic director, HowlRound director, and faculty member P. Carl as a Ford Foundation Art of Change Fellow,” said college president Lee Pelton. “P. Carl joins a distinguished group of artists who combine their creative talent with a commitment to social justice and cultural collaboration. He has brilliantly put Emerson’s civic engagement goal into action – establishing deep and meaningful engagement embedded in curricular and co-curricular activities. We congratulate him.”

“Carl’s strong commitment to lifting the narratives of all people regardless of race, gender or ability serves as an example for all of us here at ArtsEmerson and to the field at large,” shares David Howse, executive director of ArtsEmerson.

“This is a tremendous validation of decades of work,” shares ArtsEmerson co-artistic director and long-time colleague, David Dower, “and I am so glad the Foundation has recognized it. Carl has been a tireless advocate for equity and inclusion in the American theater, and this Fellowship both honors and amplifies his impact.”