Ashley Ferro-Murray and the Future of Dance Funding at the Doris Duke Foundation

Ashley Ferro-Murray, program director for the arts at the Doris Duke Foundation, is redefining how the dance community accesses resources and support. With a conviction that “no one knows better than artists what they need,” Ferro-Murray’s approach emphasizes trust, equity, and innovation in funding models for dancers, choreographers, and performing arts institutions.

From Artist to Advocate: A Career Rooted in Equity

Ferro-Murray’s journey began as a dancer, choreographer, and curator. Her decade-long exploration of artistic livelihoods informed her belief that traditional grant systems often fail to address the nuanced needs of artists. “Grants can feel like a laborious process that takes artists away from their craft,” she explains. This insight led her to advocate for unrestricted funding and holistic support systems.

Her 2016 PhD dissertation at the University of California, Berkeley, on the intersections of choreography, media, and technology further shaped her perspective. Ferro-Murray highlights projects that explore dance’s role in advancing equitable technology, drawing inspiration from movements like Afrofuturism and disability activism.

Transforming Funding Models at the Doris Duke Foundation

At the Doris Duke Foundation, Ferro-Murray oversees initiatives that prioritize artist agency. The Doris Duke Artist Awards provide $525,000 in unrestricted support to individual artists, allowing recipients to address housing, healthcare, and financial stability. An additional $25,000 retirement-savings incentive and networking opportunities further empower artists.

“Unrestricted funding lets artists build a social safety net,” Ferro-Murray says. “It’s about recognizing the labor of the artist and investing in their long-term resilience.”

Building Synergy Through Partnerships

Ferro-Murray’s work extends beyond traditional grants. The foundation collaborates with organizations like the Mozilla Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to create programs such as Artists Make Technology, which explores the intersection of dance and digital culture. These partnerships aim to amplify underrepresented voices and foster innovation.

“We can’t do everything alone,” Ferro-Murray notes. “By combining grant-making with marketing, communications, and advocacy, we create a more sustainable ecosystem for artists.”

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite progress, Ferro-Murray acknowledges lingering challenges. The dance world has long operated under a “scarcity mentality,” she says, but her goal is to shift toward models that center artist labor and creativity. “We’re looking for resilient, legacy-focused solutions that value the artist’s voice,” she adds.

As the foundation continues to refine its strategies, Ferro-Murray remains committed to bridging the gap between artistic vision and practical support. Her work underscores a broader movement to redefine how society invests in the arts—prioritizing trust, flexibility, and long-term equity.