DEI Report

Since the release of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, the Charlotte Symphony has been publishing regular updates to keep the community updated on the steps we're taking to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the seven areas of strategic focus: 

Artistic Vitality & Growth

• After an extensive search that included appearances by conductors representing a rich diversity of talent, we are thrilled to welcome Kwamé Ryan for his first season as Music Director in the fall of 2024.
• The recently ratified contract agreement between the CSO and the musicians includes updates to the tenure process that provides additional support for musicians during the probationary period, with clear and transparent feedback mechanisms. These changes were heavily informed by guidance from the Black Orchestral Network and best practices from the League of American Orchestras.
• The 2024-25 season showcases a diverse range of guest conductors and artists, including works by composers from underrepresented communities, to enrich our artistic offerings and reflect a broader spectrum of voices and experiences. 
• Through our ongoing collaboration with the National Alliance for Audition Support, facilitated by the Sphinx Organization, and our efforts to diversify our pool of substitute and extra musicians, we are committed to advancing diverse talent within the industry.

Learning

• To increase access to music education for all ages, we have continued our partnership with Charlotte Bilingual Preschool to provide violin classes.
• Project Harmony has improved language accessibility for its families by providing Spanish translations of all documents and communication.
• The "One Musical Family" initiative provided discounted tickets to Title I schools for greater accessibility and a larger outreach for non-CMS schools in the area. 
• Our youth programs and community performances continue to feature a greater representation of composers from diverse backgrounds. 
• During the 2023-24 season, our musicians performed 13 concerts for those experiencing homelessness. In partnership with Roof Above, the CSO performed across seven different locations, reaching hundreds of our unhoused neighbors and housed tenants.
• CSO musicians performed for patients at Levine Children's Hospital and Carolinas Rehabilitation, offering comfort and solace during their times of need.
• Our Youth Orchestra programs have joined a consortium to commission a new work by a Chinese-American composer, which will be included in this season's concert cycle.
• Currently, 71% of the students in our Youth Orchestra Programs represent diverse backgrounds.  

 

Financial Health & Sustainability

• The CSO Finance Committee will continue to ensure that income and expenses related to DEI initiatives are included in the operation budget for FY25. This includes our partnership with the Sphinx Organization through the National Alliance for Audition Support, as well as funding for Symphony musicians and staff to attend auditions, conferences, and meetings associated with our DEI work.

Innovation

• In the spring of 2024, the Charlotte Symphony launched CSO Roadshow, an innovative traveling concert series featuring a customized 40-foot trailer that serves as a mobile stage. This initiative brings free concerts to communities throughout Charlotte, with a special focus on areas identified by the City of Charlotte as Corridors of Opportunity. 
• The Innovation Hub, a dynamic, multi-constituency forum for voicing and exploring innovative ideas, continues to meet regularly, fostering discussions and propelling initiatives that broaden access to the Symphony. 

Organizational Culture

• We are continuing to diversify our recruitment practices by advertising positions through national organizations like Sphinx, African American Development Officers (AADO), and local media outlets such as QCity Metro. 
• We are developing stronger relationships with colleges and universities to create internship positions and a pipeline for talent interested in arts administration. 
• The CSO is actively participating in the League of American Orchestras' Inclusive Stages initiative, a major national effort to increase the racial diversity among musicians in American orchestras. 

Public Relevance

• The Charlotte Symphony's musicians and staff marched together in the Charlotte Pride parade, providing an opportunity for us to connect with the community, show solidarity, and amplify the message that the arts belong to everyone. 
• We continue to actively seek out opportunities to highlight diverse voices and experiences through media outreach and storytelling. Our press releases, blog posts, and interviews often feature stories of underrepresented composers and artists who contribute to the richness of our performances. Through targeted campaigns and collaborations with local and national media, we aim to raise awareness of our DEI efforts and inspire broader community engagement.

Audience Development

• Since the publication of the Strategic Plan in FY21, there has been significant growth in the percentage of African American, Hispanic, and Asian ticket buyers, increasing from 10.7% to 16.6%. Moreover, we have also increased Millennial purchasers from 22.1% to 28.3%, and Gen Z purchasers from 1% to 5.1%. Millennials now outnumber Baby Boomers by 0.3%.
• To increase access to concert experiences for community members who could not normally afford tickets, we are launching a new discount ticket program for the 2024-25 season. This includes "Music for All," which offers $3 tickets to those receiving SNAP or WIC benefits, discounts for former and current military members and educators, and a Student Rush program.
• The CSO also partners with multiple community groups and schools to provide more than 1,000 complimentary and low-cost tickets to mainstage performances. Additionally, we are offering free tickets for youth to attend Sunday matinees in the 2024-25 season.
• Building on new initiatives from the Innovation Hub, we are focusing on reaching new audiences through our mobile stage and immersive experiences. These initiatives invite diverse audiences to various CSO events for free or at low cost, helping us understand the preferences of different audience segments.
• The Symphony participated in a nationwide survey on accessibility practices to ensure the CSO is a welcoming place for people of all needs.