As VP of Engagement at OperaDelaware, Kerriann Otaño isn’t just an opera aficionado; she’s a bridge builder for the state’s creative economy.
With a Master’s degree from The New School and a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington—both in vocal performance—Kerriann has dedicated her career to promoting opera.
At OperaDelaware, Kerriann leads inclusive marketing strategies, strategic public relations, and community development initiatives. Her efforts strengthen relationships with artists and audiences, establishing OperaDelaware as a cultural pillar in Wilmington. She also leads projects that engage diverse communities, ensuring the organization evolves to meet the community’s changing needs.
Kerriann is a strong advocate for Delaware’s creative economy, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative partnerships. She works to bring arts organizations together, enhancing the state’s cultural landscape.
Kerriann shares her thoughts on Delaware’s creative economy:
What does the creative economy mean to you? And in what ways does your work contribute to or support Delaware’s creative economy?
“As I see it, investing in the creative economy is a gateway to cultivating a unique cultural identity for the First State. A robust creative economy means embracing what we have locally and celebrating the talent, uniqueness, and versatility of our state. It means the difference between people living in Delaware and spending their arts and culture dollars in big cities or championing and investing in what we have here. I think it’s our job in the creative sector to highlight, promote, and make our art accessible. When people think about Delaware, I want them to think that this is a place where artists can shine.
OperaDelaware has been a cultural institution in Delaware since 1945. We take opera beyond the walls of the opera house and present Pop-Up Opera that brings our artists across the state for a fun, engaging, and approachable introduction to the art form. By demystifying opera, we hope that we’ll spark curiosity in Delawareans to seek out other arts organizations in our state. If you are opera-curious, chances are good you’ll also like Delaware Shakespeare or Delaware Theater Company. If you experience a Pop-Up Opera at Loblolly Acres in Kent County, we hope it will inspire audiences to find out more about the arts and culture in all three counties. The creative economy helps all of us because it makes Delaware a more desirable place to live, work, and socialize.Making exceptional art that is approachable and for the community is the most critical way that the work of OperaDelaware moves the creative economy forward.”
Why is a strong creative economy important for Delaware?
“The creative economy plays a crucial role in community building, which is the foundation for the engagement work we do at OperaDelaware. If we have a strong arts and cultural center, there are more opportunities to gather with our fellow Delawareans. Without a strong center, we end up outsourcing our arts and culture to larger cities like Philadelphia, New York, and DC. Who and what can we be if we give away our cultural identity?”
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the creative economy in Delaware? How can we work together to address these challenges?
“Working in the creative sector can be isolating, and we can often end up siloed in our own little pocket. I think the key to working together is supporting our fellow arts organizations, sharing and promoting all we have going on in the state, and championing one another. This can be difficult because we’re all so busy, and I’m grateful to Delaware Scene for being a hub for information. Beyond that, I think we should be advocating across all genres for the arts and culture in our community. We can do more to promote one another and show up for one another.”
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the creative economy in Delaware? Is there a specific change you’d like to see implemented?
“I’m excited about all the innovative partnerships I’ve seen and experienced! Last year’s ‘Divine Night in Delaware’ combined artists from OperaDelaware and First State Ballet Theatre, along with spoken word poet Dennis Spence, hip-hop artist and activist Richard Raw, soul singer Nadjah Nicole, and percussionist Jonathan Whitney. Creativity is magnified when we come together, and I’m thrilled to see more cross-genre advocacy and collaboration in the First State!”