Join Cincinnati Opera Center Stage and special guests for an honest and informal discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts. The conversation, moderated by Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor Morris Robinson, will feature a panel of expert educators, performers, and professionals discussing opportunities to break down barriers through this important work. The program concludes with a question-and-answer session.
Featuring
Morris Robinson, bass and Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor, moderator
Flávia Bastos, PhD, Cincinnati Opera board member and distinguished research professor of art education, University of Cincinnati School of Art
Tiffany Cooper, director of community engagement and diversity, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Jennifer A. Ingram, founder and CEO of Calibrated Lens and former vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion at United Way of Greater Cincinnati
This event will be streamed live—registration is not required. Watch on Facebook or YouTube on Thursday, January 21, at 7:00 p.m.
About the Panelists
Flávia Bastos, PhD
Flávia Bastos, PhD is a University of Cincinnati Distinguished Research Professor. Her research and scholarship are indebted to her Brazilian roots, experiences with social and cultural diversity, and inspired by the educational philosophy of educator Paulo Freire. Her research and teaching honor diverse communities and celebrate creative potential of all people. Flávia is a Distinguished Fellow of the National Art Education Association, the chairperson for the Council of Policy Studies in Art Education, and former Director of the Higher Education Division of the National Art Education Association. She received the 2009 Ziegfeld Award of the International Society for Education through Art (InSEA) for her distinguished service in international art education and the Mary J. House Award of the National Art Education Association Women’s Caucus in 2007. She is past senior editor of the Journal of Art Education and has published and lectured extensively in the United States and other countries such as such as South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, Spain, Portugal, and Canada. Her books include Transforming City Schools through Art: Approaches to Meaningful K-12 Learning, a co-edited volume published by Teachers College Press (2012); and the anthology Connecting Creativity Research and Practice in Art Education: Foundations, Pedagogies, and Contemporary Issues (2014) released by the National Art Education Association.
Tiffany Cooper
Tiffany Cooper is Director of Community Engagement and Diversity at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. She has worked for over 15 years in various community engagement roles, including organizations such as Girl Scouts of Western Ohio as well as the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing and College of Business. Throughout her career, Tiffany has spearheaded initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is a frequent guest speaker on DEI and community engagement for community organizations and universities such as the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s Arts Administration program. Her professional passions and interests include social justice and asset-based community development. Tiffany also serves on the board of several non-profits including Elementz Hip Hop Youth Center and the Over-the-Rhine Museum.
Jennifer A. Ingram
(she/hers) Jennifer is the Founder and CEO of Calibrated Lens, LLC, a boutique consulting firm with the mission of helping clients facilitate sustainable change to optimize performance, presence, and productivity. Before launching Calibrated Lens, she served as the first Vice President of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the sixth largest United Way in the nation. In this role she gained national attention for the publication of the organization’s inaugural DEI Community Report. Additionally, she is deeply involved in contributing thought leadership and sharing best practices across the United Way Worldwide Network. A couple of noteworthy accomplishment during her tenure in Cincinnati included leading the planning and implementation of the first community-wide event in the tri-state area in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing.
Morris Robinson
After performing with Cincinnati Opera numerous times, bass Morris Robinson is currently serving as artistic advisor to CIncinnati Opera. Robinson has previously appeared at the company as Porgy in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess (2019), Ferrando in Il Trovatore (2015), Ramfis in Aida (2013), the Night Watchman in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (2010), and the Grand Inquisitor in Don Carlo (2009). A regular performer at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, he made his role debut as Porgy at Teatro alla Scala in Milan in 2016.