Announcement of the 2018 David Driskell Fellow: Julius Brewster Jr.

"This is more than a Fellowship to me. This is a call to action; a call to academic excellence and growth but also a responsibility to share with others. Being a Driskell Fellow here at IDSVA, means being present to the needs and changes of philosophical thought, theory and practice as it relates to the plastic and performing arts, all while being a custodian to free thought, free expression and representation. To be given this honor in the name of Dr. Driskell, a champion of free expression, artistic excellence and discipline means to carry on these ideals through my study and work here at IDSVA. I am humbled and extremely GRATEFUL for this grand opportunity."

Julius Brewster Jr, Cohort ‘18

Julius Brewster Jr., was born in Brooklyn, NYC. He received his formal academic and dance education in the NYC public school system. Julius is a graduate of Fiorello H.LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts, and has degrees in English Literature and Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University. Julius holds an M.F.A in Dance Studies from Hollins University and is currently a full time professor of classical ballet, contemporary dance, dance composition, pedagogy, and performance studies at the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico. As a concert dancer he has performed throughout Europe, North America and Mexico as a soloist and has been featured on Mexican television. He has danced for Mexican pop artist Yuri, and was part of the original broadway productions of Peter Pan and Wicked. Julius has been recognized through various awards for his performance, teaching and academic achievements.

IDSVA awards one David Driskell Fellowships with each incoming cohort. Driskell Fellows are students of color who show promise in carrying forward David Driskell's mission to encourage worldwide community and equality through art.

David Driskell was elected to the National Academy in 2000 and honored at the University of Maryland by the establishment of the David C. Driskell Center for the Study of Visual Arts and Culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora in 2001. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2018.

A member of the IDSVA Visiting Faculty since 2007, Dr. Driskell was awarded an IDSVA Honorary Doctorate in 2009 in recognition of his lifelong career as an artist, scholar, and world leading spiritual philanthropist.

‍