Strathmore's Artistic Advancement Fellowship is a 12- to 18-month program that helps artists take strategic next steps in their careers. This fellowship provides material resources, expert guidance, and industry connections tailored to each artist's unique needs and goals. Fellows work alongside music industry professionals and a dedicated support team to bridge artistic gaps and elevate their creative reach through networking and mentorship. Culminating projects may include recordings, performances, or regional tours, depending on each Fellow's objectives.
So much of an artist's success is built around long-term relationships, yet most independent artists lack meaningful connections to the wider music industry. The program helps Fellows develop sustainable relationships—not just introductions—with agents, brand managers, artists, and other industry professionals.
Fellows receive compensation and a comprehensive budget of cash and in-kind resources, enabling them to develop new work at a level most independent artists cannot achieve.
Meet the current fellows
Josanne Francis
Award-winning steelpan artist, composer, and educator Josanne Francis began playing at age 9 in Trinidad & Tobago. She delivers technical mastery and emotional complexity that enchants global audiences. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and international jazz festivals, collaborating with artists including David Rudder, Etienne Charles, John Batiste, and Andy Narell. She has appeared with the Michigan Philharmonic and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and recorded on multiple acclaimed projects. Recent honors include the Vanguard Award from the Caribbean American Heritage Gala and the Rising Leader Award from Trinidad & Tobago's Ambassador to the United States. She has received grants from U.S. Artists International and the Maryland State Arts Council.
During her Fellowship, Josanne will complete a major rebrand through a new septet album release and develop touring concepts, including Carnival Suite, a celebration of Carnival history and tradition.
Chao Tian
Classically trained since age five, Chinese dulcimer artist Chao Tian creates music that spans tradition, experimentation, and diasporic imagination. A former member of China's renowned 12 Girls Band, she has performed across more than 30 countries. Her U.S. journey began as Strathmore Music Center's first Chinese artist in residence (2017–2018), leading to bold cross-genre collaborations. A boundary-breaking artist, improviser, and sonic thinker, she has been an Art Omi fellow, a NextLOOK artist at the University of Maryland, a Musician Changemaker Accelerator fellow (2024), and a GRAMMY U mentor (2025).
During her Fellowship, Chao will focus on releasing Foliox, her new project exploring collaboration and the evolution of sound over time.
THE CORE TEAM
Director of Artists in Residence and Artistic Advancement Fellowship
Rochelle Rice
Rochelle is responsible for the overall visioning and development of the program including the application process, building out the team of industry support, liaising with Fellows and staff, coordinating timelines and projects.
Artist Strategy Consultant
Jayme Stone
Jayme is the artistic and strategic thought partner for the program. With his music industry expertise and background, he helps Fellows establish and accomplish strategic career goals and connects them with the appropriate industry professionals and artistic collaborators.
The Artistic Advancement Fellowship is part of Strathmore's Institute for Artistic Advancement. We believe the most compelling contemplations of our world are created by artists, and amplifying these creative voices is at the heart of our work.
Learn more about our mission and values.
This transformative fellowship program is made possible with generous support from Dale Rosenthal and Michael Cutler.