American Composers Forum

We are pleased to announce the appointment of LOKI KARUNA to the position of Executive Director at American Composers Forum. Vanessa Rose, who has led the organization since 2019, will assume the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role. This new leadership structure reflects the organization’s movement towards a greater role in advocacy for living music creators in the context of the systemic challenges and timely topics of our world today. In addition to leading ACF’s anti-racism strategy, Loki’s responsibilities will include overseeing its media content strategy and production (including innova Recordings and I CARE IF YOU LISTEN), community learning, and consulting partnerships. Vanessa will continue to oversee organizational strategy, fundraising, and finances; both will be active in programming, artist engagement, and partnerships. “Realities for music creators across the Americas are quickly changing,” shares Loki Karuna. “I believe that ACF, following years of equity-focused programming (that predates 2020) and artist-led dialogue, is uniquely positioned to center work that helps serve today’s music creators who understand the importance of art as a tool for resistance against societal and systemic inequity and injustice.” "I am grateful to to have Loki Karuna - a longtime, trusted colleague and partner - join us in this new role,” comments Vanessa Rose. “Art does not happen in a vacuum, and we hope our shared vision for ACF enables us to stand with our communities and engage in the pressing issues of today." Please join us in congratulating Loki, and follow the link in our bio to learn more! Photo by Devon Fails Vanessa Rose Loki Karuna

I know have still have some grant writer friends out there, anyone want to come work with me part-time?

Would you or someone you know want to work for us? We seek a part-time Grants Manager who will support the organization’s philanthropic efforts, particularly in government, foundation, and corporate funding. The position offers $40/hour, approximately 10 hours/week, and is flexible with location. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dhzsy92d They report to the Director of Development and Operations and work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Programs, and other ACF staff as needed. As outlined on the webpage linked above, their responsibilities include grant writing and submission, prospect research, and stewardship of institutional funders.

Would you or someone you know want to work for us? We are looking for a passionate and creative Social Media & Marketing Manager to join our team! The position offers $27/hour, approximately 20 hours/week, and is flexible with location. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/dhzsy92d Reporting to the Director of Publications, this role is responsible for contributing to and executing the organization’s social media content strategy to promote ACF programs and anti-racist values, plus engage with artists and music lovers. The Manager is knowledgeable about marketing strategies and collaborates with the full ACF staff to promote programs on social media, websites, physical materials, and e-newsletters.

For the first time, we are opening up our board nomination process. If you love the work we are doing and feel the list below describes your values and interests, consider joining our board! Read our full invitation here: https://conta.cc/3XhfBj7. *I love composers! I am dedicated to advancing the mission and values of ACF through engaging in and contributing to gatherings, resources, partnerships, and storytelling. *My personal values align with the organization’s commitment to racial equity, including engaging in the organization’s collective learning and practice of anti-racism. (A new commitment strategy with goals guided by the Board’s equity committee is now in progress.) I am ready to address capitalism as a component of systemic racism. *I will donate a financial gift at the level that is personally significant for me, and engage in ACF’s community-centric fundraising efforts to make the money about serving the community, and not the individual. Complete this form to share your interest: https://lnkd.in/g_urqrGX

"Because of ACF and ICIYL, countless composers and creators have shared their music with the world. As we approach the end of this fiscal year, your support is crucial in continuing our mission to nurture and empower composers. With your help, ACF and ICIYL can keep fostering creativity, connecting artists, and enriching our cultural landscape. Join us in making a difference—because of ACF, music flourishes." - Kevin Kwan Loucks, CEO Chamber Music America, ACF Board Member Please join Kevin and our community of generous donors by making a gift to ACF and ICIYL! Your support is crucial, please donate today here: https://lnkd.in/eVHf288g #becauseofACF

?For nearly 50 years, ACF has worked to build an ecosystem that values living composers and music of our time. Thousands of artists depend on ACF for advocacy and resources. What do you think is possible because of ACF? #becauseofACF

Elevate your career by connecting with your local community! Join our FREE webinar on June 6th, 2 PM EST featuring Dana Sikkila, artist career consultant. Learn how to leverage digital platforms for professional and community growth. This event is hosted by ACF and Springboard for the Arts and funded by Knight Foundation. Register now and submit your questions for Dana in advance! https://lnkd.in/eZ9U4gRa #webinar #communitybuilding #digitalspaces #localconnections

Join ACF @ the League of American Orchestras conference | “At 250, What is American Music Anyway?” on June 7 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm CDT! ACF’s Executive Director Vanessa Rose moderates the panel including: Elizabeth B., Director of Promotion, Boosey & Hawkes; Alecia Lawyer, Founder, Artistic Director, and Principal Oboist, ROCO; Nina Shekhar, Composer, Mannes School of Music (The New School), Princeton University; and Curtis Stewart, Artistic Director, American Composers Orchestra. On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Orchestras are thinking about how they and their communities are commemorating and analyzing this historic milestone in their programming. Join this conversation to discuss programming ideas and share your thoughts as we look ahead toward that year and the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. Follow the link for more information: https://lnkd.in/evzenpiH #americanmusic #music #UnitedStates

The latest video in the “Digital Harmony: Music Creation in a Digital World” web series is Mechanical Licensing & Royalties | Hosted by Serona Elton. In this video Serona explains the various aspects of U.S. mechanical licensing and royalties including which rights under copyright law are involved, the difference between a voluntary vs. compulsory license, and more! Follow the link below to watch the video and to learn more! This web-series is part of ACF's digital media expansion to empower artists, made possible with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. #mechanicallicensing #royalties #copyright #music The Mechanical Licensing Collective