Congratulations to singer/songwriter Cécile McLorin Salvant, who has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation as part of its new Creative Inflections program. Salvant, who previously received a $275,000 grant from the foundation as a 2020 Doris Duke Artist, is one of seven artists to receive the new grant, which is given to the artist and a collaborating presenting organization. In Salvant's case, that is the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, for "Ogress: Envisioned," a multimedia, animated piece in which her illustrations bring to life her musical exploration of the true story of Sara Baartman, a 19th-century South African woman taken to Europe and put on display who now stands as a symbol of colonialist, racist, and sexist exploitation.

“This cohort of Creative Inflections grant recipients brings together artists and arts presenters who are working at the forefront of modern jazz,” said Maurine Knighton, program director for the arts at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. “These seven dynamic jazz artists are among today’s modern masters and are creating boundary-pushing work that’s engaging new generations of listeners. We’re proud to support strong partnerships between these artists and dedicated presenting organizations as they launch new interdisciplinary works that innovate within the artform and continue jazz’s rich tradition as a vehicle for social change.”

You can read more and see the complete list of recipients at ddcf.org.

Cécile McLorin Salvant will release her Nonesuch Records debut album, Ghost Song, on March 4. The album features a diverse mix of seven originals and five interpretations on the themes of ghosts, nostalgia, and yearning. Salvant says, “It’s unlike anything I’ve done before—it’s getting closer to reflecting my personality as an eclectic curator. I’m embracing my weirdness!” Nonesuch Store orders include an exclusive, limited edition signed artwork by Salvant while they last.