GRAND ARMY PLAZA — Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts have announced Anthem to US, a new project presented in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Queens Public Library. This project invites members of the public to create a contemporary anthem to add to the nation’s songbook. As we approach the country’s 250th anniversary, Anthem to US invites all voices — those born within these borders and those who made their way here — to create an anthem of today echoing our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories. The program will offer unprecedented mentorship opportunities linking members of the public to the nation’s leading writers, composers, and musicians.
Paying homage to the anthem genre, Anthem to US will create a modern piece to add to the canon, which includes “America the Beautiful”, “We Shall Overcome”, “My Country Tis of Thee”, and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, reflecting the experiences, realities, hopes and dreams of a new generation.
The deadline is imminent. Interested participants of all ages will have until Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at 11:59 pm (ET) to submit their vision for an anthem. Following, up to 160 selected participants will embark on an immersive three-part writing workshop series led by experienced instructors. The workshops will explore themes, song structures and melodies across diverse styles, with eight outstanding sets of lyrics emerging from the workshops. Three applicants will advance to collaborate with composers, including Damien L. Sneed, Jaime Lozano, Martha Redbone & Aaron Whitby to craft a finished piece.
The final three anthems will be judged by luminaries including Laurie Anderson and others, and brought to life with performances on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center, as part of their Summer for the City festival.
“This project aims to transform the way we make meaningful art by…
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