BWIO Fest 2021: Black Opera Singers Conference

BWIO Fest 2021, taking place November 20, 2021 from 10am-6pm, focuses on bringing educational resources and encouraging content to Black opera singers. Our goal for BWIO Fest 2021 is to support Black opera singers as they create a strong sense of self that promotes stronger careers, stronger voices, and stronger community. Through this virtual one-day conference, we equip singers with the knowledge that propels them forward in an artform that does not normally reflect their experiences or images. BWIO Fest 2021 seeks to change the rules so Black opera singers can show up as their full selves in every space. 

Opera is often portrayed as a male-dominated and white-centric art form. Even in instances where the industry may highlight Black opera singers, those moments are often isolated with little no historical content, no acknowledgment of Black opera genealogy, and moderate to little insight for future generations.  BWIO Fest 2021 solves these issues by creating connection and community among Black opera singers.  We share the history of Black opera singers and connect the dots in a long history of Black opera. We have always been a part of opera. BWIO Fest 2021 shares that opera is for everyone.

Our market size is about 150 opera singers, lovers, and administrators.  We do not only impact the opera community, but our primary goal is to impact our community as Black opera singers.

BWIO Fest 2021 is the only modern and virtual conference that hires and promotes Black opera singers and administrators. In a male-dominated and often Eurocentric industry like opera, BWIO Fest 2021 disturbs the narrative. Black opera singers share the truth of their experiences in opera while we fill in the gaps created by historical neglect. BWIO Fest 2021 connects the genealogy of Black opera by uplifting our history and encouraging a new generation. With topics featuring activism in opera, changing the education of opera, and career development, attendees can leave with more knowledge and access to new networks and resources.

The conference will take place on November 20, 2021. Below is our conference schedule:

We are seeking funding to assist with putting on BWIO Fest 2021, a virtual one-day conference.  Since our goal as Black Women in Opera, LLC is to create fair and equal opportunities for Black opera singers. All speakers and guests receive a small honorarium, which will use 24% of our budget. Salaries for our staff will make up 30% of our budget.  The remaining budget will go to the operational cost of hosting the conference including but not limited to website maintenance, monthly Zoom cost, advertising, and branding materials. 

Thank you for reading and sharing this information. Your donation changes the lives of so many opera singers.

OUR TEAM 

• Renee Ombaba, Founder
• Kendra Beasley, Community Manager
• Inayah Raheem, Social Media Manager