#inclusive-arts

#inclusive-arts

Amidst that select company, the Berkeley Community Choir and Orchestra stands out as an organization that has thrived by hewing tightly to the radically egalitarian vision of its founder, the color-line-breaking Oakland firefighter Eugene Jones. Launched in 1966, the BCCO has maintained Jones's open-door policy, inducting new members without audition and always performing for free. Conducted since 2011 by Ming Luke, the BCCO's third music director, the 240-member choir kicks off its 60th season with three performances of Verdi's Requiem at UC Berkeley's Hertz Hall

Now her organisation works with more than 90 artists each week, providing studio space, materials and tuition. Some of their works have been exhibited, commissioned and sold, with artist Shruti designing the advent calendar for beauty brand Lush, and Seatton painting the cover art for Irish music artist CMAT's second studio album, Crazymad, for Me. Meanwhile, Richard's painting called SHIP was featured in last month's edition of the House and Garden magazine.