The Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts launched “Anthem to US,” an initiative that invites the public to craft their own contemporary national anthem.
In lieu of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the purpose of the program is to create a modernized anthem that signifies the “collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories” of the diverse populace that makes up the nation today, according to a release.
“This project aims to transform the way we make meaningful art by inviting the public to create a piece reflective of their own stories and experiences living in the United States,” said László Jakab Orsós, vice president of Arts and Culture at the Brooklyn Public Library. “Music and the written word have always had the power to help us face challenging realities, celebrate moments of triumph and, in the best cases, art fosters unity in the face of divisions.”
Up to 160 applicants will be selected to take part in the contemporary anthem program, which was also created in collaboration with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Queens Public Library.
Once selected, participants will engage in an immersive three-part writing workshop series, in which instructors will teach them about subjects like song structure, themes, and melodies across diverse styles.
Following the workshops, three applicants will be chosen to work with a number of talented composers, who will help the participants to create their final pieces of music.
The final three anthems will then be performed live and judged, with one anthem ultimately being picked as the winning tune. The finals are set to take place on July 6, at the Brooklyn Public Library and Lincoln Center, as part of their “Summer for the City” festival.
“As a cultural and civic institution, we are continually thinking of ways we can deepen the connections between the arts and civic engagement,” said Shanta Thake, chief artistic officer of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. “Anthems have been adopted over the centuries as a communal way to honor and uplift — weaving in collective histories, struggles, and aspirations."
Interested participants (of all ages) have until February 6, to submit their respective anthem visions.
