2023 Spotlight Fellows
Creators, Activators, Change-Makers
Each of these visionary artists and activists has a distinctive voice and a personal mission to create opportunities in their communities. Their Turn The Spotlight Fellowships pair them with inspiring industry leaders to further their work.
Carlos Carrillo • Jaime Sharp • Kia Smith
Pala Garcia • Pauline Tan • Sharon Su
Carlos Carrillo
Composer & Educator
Urbana, IL
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Carlos writes music that navigates the space between simplicity and complexity – and the results of this conflict.
Mentored by Monica Yunus
Learn more: Website
Jaime Sharp
Arts Administrator & Vocalist
Chicago, IL
Jaime is a Black queer arts leader, creative, and advocate who strives to evolve organizational culture through dynamic leadership rooted in equity and inclusivity.
Mentored by Afa Dworkin & Melissa Wegner
Learn more: Website
Kia Smith
Choreographer & Artistic Director
Chicago, IL
Kia envisions her company, choreographic work, and community-based programs as a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding and supporting young people as they find purpose through personal and professional development.
Mentored by Nicole Paiement
Learn more: Website
Pala Garcia
Violinist & Educator
New York, NY
Pala approaches her love of adventurous music-making with questions about artistic relationships, embodied selves, and meaning-making at the instrument. Her artistic practice has been shaped by her interest in gender studies and feminist theory and the widely varied perspectives of her fellow listeners, learners, and artists with whom she has collaborated.
Mentored by Jessica Jahn
Learn more: Website
Pauline Tan
Mezzo-soprano
Chicago, IL
Filipino-Chinese mezzo-soprano Pauline uses her voice to open channels of honest communication with audiences – and to create artistic bridges to little-known musical worlds.
Mentored by Heidi Melton
Learn more: Website
Sharon Su
Pianist & Writer
Los Angeles, CA
Sharon is an advocate for expanding the existing musical canon to include traditionally marginalized voices, and is passionate about curating enjoyable concert programs that blend underrepresented works with canonic favorites. She is known for her approachable, humorous musical storytelling on social media.