New Works Forum 2021

Spring Meeting: March 29‒31, 2021

The 2021 forum will advance the field’s commitment to racial justice in and through new work development. It will be guided by four priorities:

• Equity: Dismantle oppressive systems in the production of new works.

• Inclusion: Challenge the field to adopt a more inclusive understanding of new work.

• Diversity: Actively diversify content and participants to center the work and perspectives of BIPOC creators.

• Power Sharing: Intentionally shift power structures to counter systemic bias and inequity in opera.

Topics for the spring meeting of the New Works Forum will include:

• Framing Our Learning

• Breaking Down Gatekeeping

• The Art of Producing

• Power-Sharing in Practice

• New Works Exploration: Creator Previews

Forum Sessions

Framing Our Learning - Monday March 29th, 11am-1pm EDT

The spring convening of the 2021 New Works Forum will continue to center advancement of equity, inclusion, diversity, and power sharing through new work development. Join New Works Forum Arts Equity Specialist Dr. Derrell Acon and Creative Consultant Peggy Monastra as they reflect on collective lessons learned from the January convening of the New Works Forum that inform the March sessions.

Breaking Down Gatekeeping - Tuesday, March 30th, 11am-1pm EDT

The choices made around new works and creators featured on stages across the country are often determined by a small group of individuals in positions of power, sometimes referred to as gatekeepers. In a roundtable discussion, producers, directors, and creators, discuss strategies for breaking down the predominant fieldwide system of gatekeeping to help a more diverse group of creators and new repertoire thrive.

The Art of Producing – Tuesday, March 30th, 3pm-5pm EDT

Productions of new work are most successful when producers and artists see each other as creative partners. Attendees will hear the perspectives of a diverse group of creators and producers on what it means to collaborate effectively, and have the opportunity to explore new creative processes in a small group exercise.

Power Sharing in Practice – Wednesday, March 31st, 11am-1pm EDT

Power sharing, or the shifting of power systems to counter systemic bias and inequity in opera, is one of the primary focus areas of the 2021 New Works Forum. This session will present three case studies of organizations that have redistributed planning, creative and/or financial resources in developing new work. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion addressing the priorities and perspectives that must be incorporated for successful and lasting change.

New Works Exploration: Creator Previews – Wednesday, March 31st, 3pm-5pm EDT

Explore new work through high quality video previews and live interviews with creators of works that have recent or upcoming premieres. Works to be previewed in this Spring convening were selected through a panel review process that prioritized BIPOC creators and/or stories. Session attendees will have the chance to meet project creators in Zoom breakout rooms at the end of the session and speak about potential future collaborations.

Participants may choose to attend as many sessions as their schedules allow.

Registration

The Spring Meeting of the New Works Forum is open to OPERA America members and non-members with registration.

• OPERA America Member (Org. Staff and Individuals) — $25

• OPERA America Artist Member — $10

• Non-Member — $40

• Artist Non-Member — $15

• Student — $5

OPERA America members should visit operaamerica.org/NWF and log in to access member rates.

If you are currently facing financial hardship that will impact your ability to pay the registration fee and attend the forum, contact us at Artistic@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5240.