Funded Partner Spotlight: The Studio@620
The Studio@620 provides a space for artists, audiences, and collaborators to integrate arts and education in order to encourage new cultural experiences, create opportunity, and inspire. The Studio was born from the belief that art and diversity play a crucial role in the lives of individuals as well as communities; its work reflects that belief.
The Foundation first issued a capacity-building grant to the studio in 2024, helping the group expand their social media and other marketing efforts. In 2025, the Foundation deepened the partnership through a Catalytic Accelerator Grant to support the Studio’s innovative Sankofa Series. Inspired by the Akan word ‘Sankofa,” which means “to go back and get it,” the series revisits earlier America theater works and brings them into the present moment. Some works were originally written for an all-white cast. Others were crafted by playwrights of color who didn’t have the resources to put together a full high-caliber production.
“I’m not trying to say, ‘oh, people of color can play those roles.’ I think an actor can play a role,” explained Artistic Executive Director Erica Sutherlin. “What I’m trying to say is look how human we all are, look at our similarities, see how we all exist in America and are trying to figure out the conundrum of the American dream, of what happened here and how we can survive racism and systemic policies and economics. All of us are in this thing we call a melting pot trying to figure out the flavor. And the more we can have these conversations about different aspects of living, the more we can start to resonate with each other and understand.”
“What I’m trying to say is look how human we all are, look at our similarities, see how we all exist in America and are trying to figure out the conundrum of the American dream, of what happened here and how we can survive racism and systemic policies and economics. All of us are in this thing we call a melting pot trying to figure out the flavor. And the more we can have these conversations about different aspects of living, the more we can start to resonate with each other and understand.”
Sutherlin says she never expects everyone to agree on everything or like every aspect of the art Studio@620 creates.
“The goal, for me, is to have a little bit of something for everyone so that the Studio feels like home, like belonging,” Sutherlin said. “It’s important that everyone sees themselves reflected in art. That makes us want to pour into our community, into those organizations that see us and understand us. It’s also important for art to create conversation, whether you’re comfortable or sitting in your discomfort, which is also healthy.
“We may not walk away from art in agreement on everything, but we walk away with a different understanding of a person and where an idea is coming from… and if there’s a possibility to move forward, then how… and if not, why not,” Sutherlin said.
Visit the Studio@620’s website to learn more about their upcoming programming and see how you can get involved or offer support.