Making Art in the ‘ Silent City on a Hill ’:
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Mount Auburn ’ s Artist-in-Residence Program
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By Julie-Anne Whitney Public Events Producer
“ The residency was a wonderful opportunity to develop and expand my music practice . I met amazing artists beyond my discipline – some of whom have become new friends and collaborators . The support and respect between the staff and the artists was a joy to experience .”
— Ira Klein , 2022 – 23
O n a rainy Saturday afternoon in September 2023 , an eclectic group of musicians assembled in Story Chapel : an extreme vocalist / cellist / experimental noise musician , a folk artist , and a classical singer / orchestral composer . What did these musicians have in common ? Eden Rayz , Ira Klein , and Mary Bichner were all Mount Auburn Artists-in-Residence , and each had composed music inspired by the Cemetery ’ s beautiful , complex landscape . The occasion was Mount
Auburn ’ s first Artist-in-Residence Music Showcase , but it wasn ’ t the first time artists had come together to perform at the Cemetery .
For nearly 40 years , Mount Auburn has been hosting public programs that promote the appreciation and preservation of the Cemetery as a cultural and natural resource . With programs about nature , wildlife , horticulture , history , death education , wellness , and the arts , the Cemetery has long been a place for members of the community to convene for learning , enjoyment , and solace .
In 2014 , as a way of expanding our public programming , Mount Auburn became the first cemetery in the United States to establish an artist residency . The Artist-in-Residence program offers small grants to local artists who are encouraged to create original , sitespecific work that conveys a fresh , innovative perspective on Mount Auburn .