1. We transform lives through the power of diversity in the arts.
Sphinx Organization
We transform lives through the power of diversity in the arts.
Mission & Vision

2. Four organizing principles
Education & Access
Artist Development
Performing Artists
Arts Leadership

3. Education & Access
Sphinx Overture: Provides free violins and lessons to elementary students in underserved communities
Sphinx Performance Academy: A full-scholarship summer program for young musicians of color who demonstrate aptitude toward classical music but lack resources and access

4. Artist Development
Sphinx Competition: The national competition for young Black and Latino classical string players
Music Assistance Fund: Scholarship programs designed to empower the careers of Sphinx’s alumni at various stages of development

5. Performing Artists
Sphinx Virtuosi: Self-conducted ensemble of Sphinx Competition alumni who travel the country each fall for a national tour of performances and community outreach
Sphinx Symphony Orchestra: The professional all Black and Latino orchestra which performs with and mentors the participants of the Sphinx Competition
Sphinx Soloist Program: A performance series through which the Laureates of the Sphinx Competition solo with orchestras nationwide
Sphinx Global Scholars: An international initiative through which Sphinx alumni teach, learn and perform abroad
Touring Quartets: Catalyst Quartet and Harlem Quartet

6. Arts Leadership
SphinxConnect: A career marketplace connecting musicians of color and the industry
Sphinx Medals of Excellence: A program honoring outstanding musicians of color who, early in their careers, demonstrate leadership and extraordinary achievements

7. Sphinx20 – Celebrating 20 Years
20 years, 2 million stories
“Where I will go is undetermined, but I know I will go far. Sphinx has ensured it.”
Gabrielle Hooper,
Sphinx Performance Academy alum
“My experience at the Sphinx Competition encouraged me to work that much harder at the art form that I had fallen in love with...Now, as a professional musician, I can look on the Sphinx Organization and see the profound impact that it is having in the world.”
Joseph Conyers,
Sphinx Competition
“Sphinx has not only given me hope for the future of music for younger generations, but it has inspired and re-affirmed my own life’s work.”
Rosalyn Story,
Sphinx Symphony Orchestra

8. 20-year Impact 560 alumni and artists
Percentage of Black or Latino members in American orchestras has increased from 2.7% to 4.3%
100% of Sphinx Competition Laureates have gone on to study at top music schools
Distributed more than $4.5 million in scholarships, artist grants, and instruments
Reached more than 20 million in broadcast and live audiences, including 70 cities in 13 countries
Reached more than 100,000 students through educational programs and outreach

9. Media Honors Crain’s Detroit Knight Foundation Detroit News
Flint Journal
Grantmakers in the Arts
New York Times
Musical America Worldwide
Bloomberg
Strings Magazine
The Strad Magazine
People Magazine
Kennedy Center Human Spirit Award
National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities
National Governors Association Distinguished Service Award
BET & GM History Makers in the Making Award
Michigan Governor’s Award for Arts and Culture
New Detroit’s “Closing the Gap” Award
Alfred P. Sloan Award
Sphinx documentaries won two Emmys and a Telly

10. Goals for the next 20 years
Reach 250,000 students with our educational programs
Distribute $1 million in instruments, $3 million in artist grants, and $5 million in scholarships
Reach more than 40 million in broadcast and live audiences
Reach 200 cities with tours and outreach
Grow alumni and artist constituency to 1,200