“I Refuse to Be Invisible”:

An Improvisational Concert by Kentavius Jones, Ian Trusheim, and Jordan Stanley

About

The Academy Art Museum planned an interdisciplinary pilot program combining art, music, and the written word to activate Crosby’s “I Refuse to Be Invisible.” The museum partnered with three local musicians to create a multipart event where audience members wrote personal responses while looking at Crosby’s work. Their contemplations were then given to the trio, and musicians Kentavius Jones, Ian Trusheim, and Jordan Stanley translated the written reflections into music in real time, putting on a wholly unique, never-before-heard concert.

Intended Outcome

The Academy Art Museum aimed to provide a venue for visitors to feel a personal creative connection with Crosby’s work. The goal was to engage 180 community members in an improvisational concert.

Actual Outcome

The museum welcomed 80 people to its hugely successful pilot interactive concert. Out of the attendees, 41 provided written keywords and phrases inspired by the painting. Audience members raved about the atmosphere at the event, even calling it a “spiritual experience” and requesting improvisational concerts as part of future exhibitions.

Advice Post Project

If your museum is interested in trying an improvisational concert, develop strong partnerships with local musicians. The Academy Art Museum partnered with Kentavius Jones, Ian Trusheim, and Jordan Stanley, all of whom were comfortable responding to suggestions and thoughts from participants on the fly. Their comfort level made for a successful event that attracted previously engaged visitors and new audiences.