Ashley Rizzo has fostered the growth of over 10,000 musicians and artists.
“I believe in everyone’s individual and collaborative capacity for artistic greatness, and strive to facilitate its emergence. I know, unequivocally, that the arts are vital to maintaining successful societies. They’re a transcendental asset for cultural expression, a universal source of catharsis, and have a responsibility to positively impact communities versus solely provide entertainment. Art has never been more relevant or needed. It’s about making an impact, creating positive lasting change, and doing work that’s worth doing. Whether it serves as a form of peaceful protest, a way to draw attention to a cultural issue, or promote marginalized peoples, I facilitate the creation of art which stands for something, connects us deeply with our individual self, and bridges community divides. On this Earth, we are all one. Through art, we achieve the best in our collective humanity.”
- Ashley Rizzo
Ashley’s dedication, creativity, and experience as an arts administrator give her the range needed to develop a new legacy for the arts. A trained mezzo-soprano, Ashley has performed professionally for audiences from Indiana to Italy.
Fostering Artists
Ashley developed performing opportunities, recruitment plans, and educational programs across major institutions including MIT, the Idyllwild Arts Academy & Summer Program, and VOICES Boston. At the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, Ashley was the “right-hand woman” for renowned Maestro Federico Cortese. Through their collaboration, they executed both large-scale and intimate community performances at venues like Boston Symphony Hall, Harvard’s Sanders Theatre, the Museum of African American History, and beyond. At Idyllwild Arts Academy (IAA), Ashley recruited talented and deserving musicians from across the globe and secured scholarship funds for them to attend America’s best arts boarding school. Through this, many were lifted from environments with minimal artistic opportunities, and even undesired military service. Ashley’s efforts with thousands of artists supported their attendance at world-famous conservatories and universities, as well as emerging professional careers.
Fundraising & Operations
Working with high net worth donors and corporate sponsors, Ashley has personally raised approximately $20M and supported total fundraising efforts of over $50M to facilitate global art programs. At IAA, she created new revenue streams including annual events and created strategic partnerships and relationships with major institutions including Yamaha, Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, and LA Opera.
As Executive Director of VOICES Boston, Ashley initiated and grew collaborations with Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Baroque, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, and Boston University Opera Institute. Here, she was also responsible for the operating budget and formalized bylaws, voting practices, and fundraising operations for the Board of Directors.
Marketing & Administration
Ashley honed her marketing chops early by supporting multiple departments of Ogilvy and Mather. Then, Ashley parlayed these corporate strategies into the arts sector. Serving as Assistant Director of Communications for MIT’s Art, Culture and Technology program, Ashley curated public programming which explored complex connections between art and culture. Ashley additionally contributed to the revitalization of Opera on Tap making opera easily accessible, affordable, and community-driven. Ashley also consulted for organizations navigating community growth and leadership change. For example, she managed day-to-day operations at Harvard University during a crucial restructuring period and supported the expansion of MassOpera (formerly MetroWest Opera).
Teaching & Curriculum Planning
Ashley has created educational programs for artists of all ages focused on empowerment, global thinking, and citizen artistry. As Director of Fine Arts for Ignite Teen Treatment, she created a multi-year curriculum plan across five art forms: music, theater, visual art, creative writing, and dance. Its implementation uplifted hundreds of young people overcoming mental health and addiction struggles, helping them successfully reintegrate into society. From direct classroom teaching to long-term planning initiatives, Ashley commits to discovering and nurturing the artist residing in us all.
“Ashley’s professionalism, resourcefulness, intelligence, and compassion made her indispensable.”
Christopher Reba, Professor of Commercial Music, College of the Desert (former Music Department Chair, Idyllwild Arts Academy)
Letter of Recommendation
“Ashley’s steadfast, diligent, and innovative qualities make her a grand model of work ethic. She is an inspiring leader and wonderful team player with endless energy.”
Heather Netz, Music Faculty & Coordinator of Musical Partnerships, Idyllwild Arts Academy
Letter of Recommendation
