Collaborations

Impactful Creative Youth Development

Dalouge Smith, CEO, The Lewis Prize for Music
During my 20-plus years of being an arts advocate and leader of music for social change work, I have repeatedly returned to this question: “How can we best convey the scope and complexity of our field’s impactful work to funders and policymakers?”
I’m confident this is a question many Ensemble readers also ask. Communicating the many benefits for young people, families, and communities that result from our work is more complex than a sound bite.
Opportunities and Resources from ESUSA
El Sistema USA is offering five scholarship spots to member organization employees to attend the Eastman Leadership Bootcamp on June 24–28.
Safe Spaces in Unsafe Places: Talking with Lucas Dols of Sounds of Change

Patrick Scafidi, Executive Editor, The Ensemble, in conversation with Lucas Dols, Founder/Director, Sounds of Change
When we last spoke to Sounds of Change Founder and Director Lucas Dols, in 2022, he was hopeful about an upcoming year of growth for the organization… Seventeen months later, the world is no less difficult or overwhelming for young people looking to find their way. With a focus on those who are most affected by violence and displacement abroad, we talked with Lucas about the work Sounds of Change is doing to help.
Apply for the European Music Council Fellowship
The European Music Council (EMC) Fellowship Programme welcomes early-career musicians seeking a professional development community.
ESG’s Young Leaders Strike Chords of Empowerment

Fenia Biniari, Communications Manager, El Sistema Greece
On Saturday, November 25, following the International Day for Children’s Rights, El Sistema Greece’s Young Leaders Program welcomed Anna Mertzani, Manager of the Intercultural Center “PYXIDA” of the Greek Council for Refugees.
The Lewis Prize Awards Over $3 Million to CYD Organizations
The Lewis Prize for Music has partnered with Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies to award over $3 million across 24 Creative Youth Development (CYD) organizations.
In Guam, Marrying Past and Future through ‘Beautiful Gatherings’

Vince J. C. Reyes, Director, Inetnon Gefpå’go, as told to The Ensemble
Our story begins in 2000, when I first began to teach at a public school in Guam. I had just come back from studying in the States, where I’d felt increasingly disconnected from my Chamorro identity, and I was teaching social studies and physical education. I noticed that there were some kids who liked to hang out in my classroom during recess and lunch…
S+T+ARTS Prize Africa
The potential of the arts and technology to address global issues has gotten the attention of funders around the world. In that spirit, the STARTS Prize is expanding this year to highlight African projects that bring together science, technology, and artistic practice to address social, ecological, and economic challenges.
Foster Invests in the Next Generation of African Music
Foster, a new initiative launched on June 2 by the African Music Library, is expanding opportunities for African music education in primary and secondary schools across the continent.
Celebrate Make Music Day
Today is the 41st annual World Music Day, or Fête de la Musique, a worldwide celebration of free and accessible music.

