In a year filled with significant challenges for the nonprofit sector, ranging from discussions about effectiveness to efforts surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, moments of success shine all the more brightly. When a planned collaborative concert with The President’s Own United States Marine Band faced an unexpected cancellation, young classical musicians from Equity Arc kindly took the opportunity, sharing the stage with veteran musicians in a heartfelt display of resilience. This uplifting story, featured on 60 Minutes, captured national interest in Equity Arc’s mission and highlighted the importance of their work.
In light of the current environment, The Presser Foundation welcomed Equity Arc’s Executive Director Stanford Thompson and Associate Director Magee Capsouto to share insights at the Next Movement Idea Forum. This gathering offers an important opportunity for music organizations to exchange ideas, foster connections, and enhance our shared commitment. During these uncertain times, coming together is helpful and truly significant.
The insights shared during this particular Next Movement session were profound and actionable. While we encourage you to watch the complete recording to fully appreciate Equity Arc’s transformative work, here are five key takeaways that resonated with us.
1. Traditional “Talent Systems” Systematically Filter Out Brilliance
Bias, privileged access, inequitable evaluation metrics, and narrow definitions of excellence have long compromised the classical music pipeline. These structural barriers prevent countless young musicians of color from developing their gifts. Equity-focused programs don’t simply offer token inclusion – they fundamentally reimagine opportunity pathways that allow overlooked brilliance to flourish.
2. DEI Must Be Structural, Not Superficial
When DEI exists merely as an initiative, it becomes vulnerable to political pressure and organizational retreat. Numerous organizations across sectors have abandoned their DEI commitments under scrutiny. For lasting impact, equity must be woven into an organization’s DNA – embedded in its mission, governance, operations, and culture.
3. Multi-Dimensional Program Design Creates Holistic Change
Capsouto detailed Equity Arc’s comprehensive strategy that simultaneously addresses immediate barriers while targeting systemic transformation. Their initiatives span four interconnected domains:
- Access and affordability programs that remove financial obstacles
- Career pathways that connect talent to professional opportunities
- Mentorship networks that nurture belonging and excellence
- Systems-change convenings that challenge industry-wide practices
This layered approach recognizes that sustainable change requires intervention at multiple levels.
4. Transformation Necessitates Bold Truth-Telling
Thompson challenged organizations to practice radical honesty: to assess what’s working, acknowledge what isn’t, and confront what they’ve been afraid to admit. This vulnerability builds authentic trust with young musicians and communities.
He emphasized that students aren’t passive beneficiaries but eager partners in reimagining classical music’s future. They bring fresh perspectives, creative energy, and a hunger to connect with both musical traditions and the movement to expand classical music’s boundaries and relevance.
5. Equity Work Requires Sustained Collaborative Commitment
The most resilient equity work happens through strategic partnerships – both within and beyond the music sector. As several Forum participants noted, these alliances amplify impact and provide mutual support when facing inevitable challenges. One organization pointedly observed that there is “strength in numbers” when navigating resistance to change.
Leading with Integrity Through Challenging Times
Thompson concluded with a powerful call to “lead with integrity,” invoking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Thompson added another component to this quote: the arc doesn’t bend automatically—it requires our collective will, patience, and people committed to the work of bending.
We recognize the extraordinary challenges facing nonprofits in today’s political climate. Yet we draw profound inspiration from Equity Arc and the dedicated music organizations – both those present at the Forum and those unable to attend – who persist in dismantling barriers, expanding access, and serving their communities with courage.
The Foundation stands alongside these organizations, committed to supporting their vital work in creating a more just and inclusive musical landscape – not only when it’s comfortable, but when it matters most.
Watch the complete recording (password: .Um%q5nU) of this Next Movement Idea Forum session to experience the full depth of insights shared by Equity Arc.
