Artist in Residence
Artist-in-Residence at ACT-AV are professional creatives—such as a filmmaker, performance artist, theater maker, or visual artist—who works closely with students and staff to enrich the school’s artistic environment. These artists bring real-world experience into the classroom, lead hands-on projects, mentor students, and collaborate on performances or exhibitions. Their presence inspires creativity, broadens students’ understanding of the arts, and supports the integration of artistic expression across the school’s curriculum at ACT-AV.
Current Artist in Residence
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Derrick Skye — Internationally acclaimed composer and conductor whose works have been commissioned by major orchestras worldwide. Noted for integrating African, Persian, and Indian musical traditions into contemporary classical compositions, Derrick has conducted Grammy-winning ensembles and educates students on cross-cultural music creation. (Derrick Skye Website)
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Del Spiva — Award-nominated music editor and mix editor with over two decades in Hollywood, known for work on films like Ray, Selma, and projects for Netflix, HBO, and major studios. Del specializes in music editing, score supervision, and industry-standard post-production, guiding students in professional sound workflows. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5O7C62Pmc2/. (IMDb, Resume)
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Kwesi Thomas — Veteran producer, creative director, and brand strategist with credits ranging from network television shows to major music videos and branded content for global artists. Kwesi trains students in production management, creative entrepreneurship, and real-world storytelling. (LinkedIn)
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More accomplished artists will join our residency in the coming weeks!