Connecting Artists and Audiences
Each season, the Hylton Performing Arts Center invites artists and ensembles with distinctive and innovative artistic voices to make the Hylton their home for a residency.
Artists-in-Residence will participate in a variety of activities, designed to engage and inspire the diverse audiences both at the venue and in the community. Learn more about the Artist-in-Residence program.
2024–25 Artist-in-Residence
Villalobos Brothers
In October, the Hylton Center welcomes Artist-in-Residence and the GRAMMY Award-winning Villalobos Brothers, who are redefining contemporary Mexican music, blending Mexican folk music with Latin, jazz, rock, and classical. As a Hylton Center Artist-in-Residence, the Villalobos Brothers will work with the community through classes and workshops throughout the fall leading up to the performance.
Hylton Family Series Artist-in-Residence: Elena Moon Park & Friends
In February 2025, sing and clap along to Taiwanese train songs, Tibetan jump rope rhymes, Cambodian folk songs, and sing-alongs in English while Elena Moon Park & Friends performs on string instruments, accordion, and drums. In addition to performing on the Hylton Family Series, Elena Moon Park will also work with the community through classes and workshops during the week leading up to the performance.
2023–24 Artist-in-Residence
Last season, the Hylton Center welcomed one of Virginia’s premier gospel ensembles The Legendary Ingramettes as a fall 2023 Artist-in-Residence. In conjunction with their performance as part of the Hylton Center’s Hylton Presents series, Richmond’s “first family of gospel” shared their family history, the evolution of gospel music, and a sampling of popular gospel music selections with more than 600 members of our community.
PHILADANCO! joined the Hylton Center as an Artist-in-Residence in spring 2024. Widely recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and electrifying performances, PHILADANCO! provides artistic opportunities and nurtures the talents of Black dancers denied places in local dance companies. In addition to their Hylton Presents performance, company members led masterclasses and demonstrations with students from multiple institutions; a conversation with the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce; and more.
2022–23 Artist-in-Residence
Last season, the Hylton Center welcomed Artist-in-Residence and two-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience who brought communities together to share South Louisiana Creole culture and Zydeco music. Terrance and the band led workshops and classes for students at Mason, participants in Lifelong Learning Institute – Manassas, and local schools. In addition, they also welcomed over 1,500 students to two Creole for Kidz field trip performances in Merchant Hall.
2021–22 Artist-in-Residence
In January 2022, the Hylton Performing Arts Center welcomed its inaugural Artist-in-Residence Ballet Hispánico, bringing communities together to celebrate and explore Latinx cultures. The multi-day residency included in-person and virtual activities with Northern Virginia dancers and community members at the Hylton Center and in area schools.
We believe in the power of the arts to create community and look forward to welcoming these incredible artists this season! More information about how you can engage with the Artist-in-Residence program will be posted here as it becomes available.
Sign up for email updates to stay informed about this program and all of the activities at the Hylton Center.