PR - Company Artist

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - DECEMBER 2, 2024

WILMINGTON, Del. — OperaDelaware, the First State’s leading opera company, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the traditional employment model for artists and freelancers in the performing arts industry. The program was developed as part of the company’s comprehensive strategic planning process, with insights and support from the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, The Longwood Foundation, Social Contract, the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University, and the Presser Foundation. The Company Artist model is a first-of-its-kind endeavor designed to establish Delaware as a cultural hub and a thriving home base for creatives.

The innovative Company Artist model placed OperaDelaware as one of three finalists in the Pete Du Pont Freedom Foundation 2024 Reinventing Delaware competition. This significant achievement reflects the urgent need to address the employment struggles faced by professional artists across the United States, where over 95% of artists work in fields outside their artistic discipline, according to industry surveys by Opera America. The program aims to challenge the “starving artist” model by reimagining the freelance arts workforce as empowered, informed, and dedicated staff—starting with OperaDelaware itself.

Under this visionary pilot program, six artists will be employed by OperaDelaware in dual roles as artists and administrators. Over a one-year residency, these Company Artists will not only perform on our stage but also engage in critical operational areas, including development, marketing, and education. With visionary funding of $385,000 from the Longwood Foundation, as well as $50,000 from the Presser Foundation, OperaDelaware hopes to demonstrate a model that moves toward long-term sustainability. 

The Presser Foundation supports Special Projects of music organizations working in a broad range of traditions, genres, and styles. Through this grantmaking area, The Foundation funds pilot programs, first-time artistic collaborations, initial general operating support for new music organizations, and efforts by music organizations to center racial equity. 

"Opera is a team sport," said Brendan Cooke, OperaDelaware's General Director. "OperaDelaware's new Company Artist Model replaces fractional contract-labor relationships with a full-time employment agreement that strengthens the connection between artist, company, and community - we are essentially changing the very definition of what it means to work in opera.  These strategic investments in our creative workforce are critical to opera's survival, and will also pay enormous dividends in our community."

The first four artists onboarding into this groundbreaking program are sopranos Toni Marie Palmertree and Emily Margevich, tenor Dane Suarez, and baritone Gerard Moon.

OperaDelaware’s Company Artist model is about more than just employment. By tapping into the unique skill sets of artists—creativity, passion, and a proactive spirit—the company aims to fortify its operational capacity while creating an empowered workforce. With nonprofits across the country facing chronic understaffing, this model could set a transformative example for the broader arts sector.

OperaDelaware invites community members, partners, and stakeholders to join in supporting this vital work. As the Company Artist model progresses, it will be closely monitored to evaluate its scalability as an industry standard for regional opera companies. 

"This model represents a fundamental shift in how we value and support artists,” said Kerriann Otaño, Vice President of Engagement of OperaDelaware. “We believe that by empowering artists as full-time employees with stable roles, meaningful work, and professional benefits, we can turn Delaware into a hub for a creative workforce that will pay dividends to this community and to the arts sector.”

Five performance dates have been secured for Company Artist-curated recitals and cabarets, with more dates to be announced in the New Year.

Emily Margevich, soprano - Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2 PM
Company Artists Review - Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 4 PM
Dane Suarez, tenor - Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2 PM
Gerard Moon, baritone -  Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 2 PM
Toni Marie Palmertree & Emily Margevich, Soprano Cabaret - April 25, 2025 at 7 PM & April 27, 2025 at 2 PM 

This initiative marks a transformative chapter for OperaDelaware and the wider arts sector. By redefining the artistic employment landscape, OperaDelaware is poised to lead the way in ensuring a vibrant, sustainable future for the creative workforce.

Contact:
Kerriann Otaño
Vice President of Engagement
OperaDelaware
kotano@operaDE.org
www.operaDE.org

About OperaDelaware: Founded in 1945, OperaDelaware is the 11th oldest opera company in the country and a leading cultural institution in Delaware.
With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement, OperaDelaware continues to celebrate the power of opera to inspire and connect.

OPERADELAWARE COMPANY ARTISTS

Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano - www.tonimariepalmertree.com/
Emily Margevich, soprano - www.operade.org/odblog/2024/10/2/meet-soprano-emily-margevich
Dane Suarez, tenor - www.danesuarez.com/
Gerard Moon, baritone - www.gerardmoon.com/

MEDIA RELATIONS

Press contact: For interview requests, please email Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org or call 302-442-7812.

Advertising inquiries: For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Jordan Barrett at jbarrett@operade.org.