In this present moment of global pandemic, racial injustice, and the economic devastation of the cultural sector, CAST has introduced a new category of appointment for 2020-21, Virtual Visiting Artists. The three distinguished artists—Don Byron, Anat Cohen, and Luciana Souza—brought breadth, scope, and energy to MIT during a period when most learning is online and remote. This new program drew upon wide-ranging facets of their artistry and cultural heritage and bring expertise in specific musical cultures that are currently underrepresented in MIT’s curriculum.


As a CAST 2020-21 Virtual Visiting Artist, Brazilian-born Luciana Souza returned to MIT to lead a year-long exploration of the music of Antônio Carlos Jobim, and delve into the rich history of cross-cultural exchange that has fueled Brazilian music across genres for generations. Souza also led class lectures, masterclasses, small group sessions, and individual lessons to enliven and enrich both the online learning and cultural lives of MIT students during this challenging time of COVID-19.


arts.mit.edu/people/luciana-souza/


A B O U T T H E MIT C E N T E R F O R A R T , S C I E N C E & T E C H N O L O G Y
A major cross-school initiative, the MIT Center for Art, Science & Technology (CAST) creates new
opportunities for art, science and technology to thrive as interrelated, mutually informing modes of
exploration, knowledge and discovery. CAST’s multidisciplinary platform presents performing and visual arts programs, supports research projects for artists working with science and engineering labs, and sponsors symposia, classes, workshops, design studios, lectures and publications. The Center is funded in part by a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Evan Ziporyn is the Faculty Director and Leila W. Kinney is the Executive Director.

Since its inception in 2012, CAST has been the catalyst for more than 90 artist residencies and
collaborative projects with MIT faculty and students—20 cross-disciplinary courses and workshops, six concert series and numerous multimedia projects, lectures and symposia. The visiting artists program is a cornerstone of CAST’s activities, which encourages cross-fertilization among disciplines and intensive interaction with MIT’s faculty and students.