The Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation, created by “Hell’s Kitchen” composer and producer Alicia Keys, will continue with nationwide programming. Piloted in 2024 and named after one of the musical’s original songs, the nonprofit partners with community-based organizations to spark creative potential within historically underrepresented communities. The foundation will partner with the upcoming national tour of “Hell’s Kitchen” for a fellowship program as well as expanding education and community initiatives in New York City and around the U.S.
Also newly announced is the appointment of the foundation’s inaugural executive director, Asad Ali Jafri. Jafri’s work specializing in a grassroots approach to connecting artists and communities spans two decades. Prior to joining Kaleidoscope Dreams, Jafri served as the inaugural executive director at Chicago’s South Asia Institute, where he helped establish the institute’s strategy, programming and exhibitions. Previously, Jafri managed public programming and artist residencies at the Shangri La Museum in Honolulu. Jafri is the co-founder of SpaceShift Collective, a collective of artists experimenting with the ways in which people work, live and create. With this appointment and programming, Kaleidoscope Dreams is considering this the foundation’s official launch.
Kaleidoscope Dreams has four key areas of arts engagement, including cultural access (offering free and curated access to Broadway shows, museums and other cultural events), educational enrichment (in-school arts education and classroom resources), professional pathways (fellowships, mentorships and internships) and community engagement (fostering a sense of belonging and joy through art). The foundation’s initial programming executed all this during its first year in New York, by sending over 3,000 local students to see “Hell’s Kitchen” on Broadway and connecting with 183 students in immersive arts education programs.
Additionally, the foundation offered a fellowship program in partnership with the Main Stem production of “Hell’s Kitchen,” in which 10 fellows trained with the musical’s creative team in areas of directing, choreography, music, design and other production fields. This fellowship will expand nationally with the tour.
“With Kaleidoscope Dreams, we’re creating something that makes people feel seen, heard and inspired to believe in their own stories,” said Keys, who also serves as the foundation’s board chair, in a statement. “We want people to know: You belong here, your dreams matter, and your voice has power.”
“Kaleidoscope Dreams Foundation is rooted in the belief that creativity is a powerful force for connection, healing and transformation,” Jafri said. “We’re proud to build programs that expand access to the arts and support communities that have long been left out of these opportunities.”
Featuring a Tony Award-nominated book by Kristoffer Diaz and a score of preexisting and original songs by Keys, “Hell’s Kitchen” tells the story of Ali, a rebellious New York City teenager. While trying to assert her independence from her mother, Ali discovers her piano-playing prowess.
Directed by Michael Greif and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, “Hell’s Kitchen” opened on April 20, 2024, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. The production received 13 Tony nominations, including one for Best Musical. It took home wins for performers Maleah Joi Moon and Kecia Lewis.
The national tour of “Hell’s Kitchen” is slated to launch at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square in October.
