National Giving Month: Ashleigh Gordon '08 MM

Artistic/Executive Director & Violist of Castle of our Skins

For as rich an artistic scene as Boston is, there was no active presentation and consistent acknowledgement of the historic and modern Black voices that have equally contributed to the City's Classical musical legacy.

 

Ashleigh Gordon

WHAT IS YOUR ORGANIZATION'S MISSION?

Castle of our Skins is a Black arts institution that centers Black music, culture, and history through people, programming, and partnerships.
 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH THIS INITIATIVE?

For as rich an artistic scene as Boston is, there was no active presentation and consistent acknowledgement of the historic and modern Black voices that have equally contributed to the City's Classical musical legacy. Castle of our Skins was created to counter an imbalanced narrative of what is seen as artistically excellent, and uplift 500 years worth of Black artistic excellence in Classical music and the arts.
 

WHAT ARE YOUR ORGANIZATION’S GOALS THIS YEAR?

Stabilizing and building our organization all the while continuing to deepen our impact.
 

HOW HAVE YOUR NEC EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO YOUR WORK?

NEC allowed me to connect with fellow African American classmate, composer, and pianist Anthony R. Green. Without meeting Anthony and having the opportunity to perform together and conspire, Castle of our Skins would not have been formed.
 

SHARE ANY OTHER STORIES THAT INSPIRED YOUR WORK.

I have taught in Boston at various institutions including the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras Intensive Community Program. Working with predominantly Caribbean, Black and Latinx students helped deepen my understanding of the power cultural representation and intentional mentorship can have on both a young child and myself. I carry this knowledge with me in my work as I work to foster cultural curiosity in and outside concert halls and classrooms.


LEARN MORE ABOUT castle of our skins

Website:  www.castleskins.org

Facebook: Castle of our Skins

Instagram: @castleskins

LinkedIn: Castle of our Skins