City of Columbia announces first Artist Laureate Audra Sergel

(COLUMBIA, MO)- The City of Columbia has selected Audra Sergel to serve as Columbia's inaugural Artist Laureate. The Artist Laureate program is designed to recognize the work and contributions of experienced artists, providing them further opportunities to educate, advocate and represent the diverse community through their own creative initiatives.

Local artists working in the disciplines of fine and visual arts, performing arts and literary arts were considered for the position. Applicants submitted proposals that included three creative elements: the creation of an original work of art inspired by Columbia, an educational workshop or presentation and a community engagement project.

The selected artist will also participate in a number of City-sponsored events throughout the year. The Artist Laureate will serve for a one-year term and receive a $5,000 budget for program-related expenses. The program is being funded through a grant from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

Sergel is a musician, educator and creative whose work has grown out of a lifelong love for music and community. Over the past three decades, she has shared her original music on stages across the country, from regional tours to national festivals, as both a solo artist and a collaborator.

In addition, Sergel is a composer and music director for the theater. For more than 25 years she has welcomed students into her private studio, Sergel Music Studio, and she serves on the faculty at Stephens College Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

Sergel's Artist Laureate project is titled "When a City Sings: Columbia in Concert," a participatory original choral and storytelling project that invites community members of all ages to share their voices, stories and values through music.

The original choral and spoken word concerto would be created through a year-long process of listening and bringing our community together. The artist will include workshops and a series of "Community Voice Circles" hosted in collaboration with local organizations. The artist will use the material generated from the workshops to compose an original choral composition. The culmination of the project will be a free concert where the original work is performed by a collaboration of community choirs and musicians.

"It's a tremendous honor to serve as Columbia's first Artist Laureate," said Sergel. "I believe music has a unique way of bringing people together, especially those who might not otherwise meet in their daily lives. I'm excited to spend this year listening, collaborating, and helping shape a musical portrait of Columbia made from the voices of the people who call it home."

For more information on the program and to view the schedule of upcoming Artist Laureate events, visit the Office of Cultural Affairs website at CoMo.gov/arts.

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.