Strathmore has appointed Rochelle Rice, a 2015 Artists in Residence alum, as Director of the Artists in Residence and Artistic Advancement Fellowship Programs, where she will oversee the flagship artist development initiatives and launch the new fellowship this fall.
Per Strathmore: “Strathmore announces an exciting milestone as Rochelle Rice, a 2015 Artists in Residence alum, steps into the role of Director of the Artists in Residence and Artistic Advancement Fellowship Programs. Rice’s appointment marks the next chapter of Strathmore’s flagship Institute of Artist Development with the involvement of someone who has lived the transformative experience herself.
“Returning to Strathmore in this leadership role is a full-circle moment,” said Rice. “AIR helped shape my path as an artist, and I’m honored to help the next generation of emerging artists. With the new Artistic Advancement Fellowship, we can give established musicians the support and tools to reach exciting new heights.”
Following a nationwide search with more than 50 applicants, Rice was chosen for her unique mix of experience as an artist, programmer/producer, administrator, and educator. With over a decade of experience in arts programming and community engagement, she brings both the business mindset of a working artist and the strategic vision of an experienced arts leader.
“Rochelle is a dynamic leader, innovative thinker, and warm collaborator who will lead the implementation and evolution of our two flagship artist development initiatives,” said Monica Jeffries Hazangeles, President and CEO of Strathmore. “It is especially gratifying that, with this selection, we also invest in a graduate of the AIR program.”
INTRODUCING THE ARTISTIC ADVANCEMENT FELLOWSHIP
Under Rice’s leadership, Strathmore is launching the Artistic Advancement Fellowship, a groundbreaking program she has spent the last three years developing alongside Strathmore staff. This selective fellowship provides two independent artists with individualized mentorship, career strategy sessions, and operational support—resources that many cannot access on their own. It is designed to help them establish and navigate key industry relationships and take essential next steps in their career, such as touring, recording, and rebranding.
“The Artistic Advancement Fellowship represents the natural evolution of what we’ve learned through 20 years of the AIR program,” Rice says, “providing the targeted support these artists need at that crucial next phase of their careers.”
The Fellowship launches this fall as a key part of Strathmore’s Institute for Artistic Development.
Rice will also guide Strathmore’s Artists in Residence program, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. This competitive professional development initiative for musicians aged 16–32 provides performance opportunities, mentorship, and industry training. The incoming Class of 2026 Artists in Residence will begin their year-long residency this fall, with solo concerts and workshops scheduled to begin January 2026.
A FULL-CIRCLE JOURNEY
Rice’s journey from resident to director embodies AIR’s mission of nurturing artistic growth. Since her 2015 residency, she has become a celebrated singer-songwriter known for introspective, lyric-driven music and powerful live performances. She has performed often at Strathmore, including in the Sweet Honey in the Rock 50th Anniversary Concert and Live from the Lawn: The Blues!, and has toured as a solo artist.
As a member of the acclaimed group Sweet Honey in the Rock and the inspirational collective bēheld, Rice has shown her commitment to working with other artists. Her multimedia project Tell Her This, a storytelling podcast, has received over 100,000 downloads across 151 countries. She was awarded the Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Award in 2018 and remains a strong advocate for music education and social justice.
More information about the Artists in Residence program, the Class of 2026, and the new Artistic Advancement Fellowship is available at www.strathmore.org/nurturing-artists.”
