14Apr2025
On behalf of Philanthropy Network's Arts Funders Group, we invite you to join us for a virtual listening session with fellow arts funders, local arts organizations, and an independent artist. This lunchtime conversation will focus on the experiences of invited guests over these past few months in the current political environment, where both federal funding and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts face significant challenges.
We're honored to welcome three distinguished speakers who bring diverse perspectives to this critical conversation:
- Erin Busch, Founder and Executive Director of Wildflower Composers, recognized as one of Yamaha's 40 under 40 music educators and Philadelphia Magazine's "Luminary Leader," whose organization supports female, transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer composers.
- Cookie Diorio, a multifaceted Philadelphia-based artist who combines classical vocal training with drag performance, activism, and education. As founder of Art of the Heel and an Associate Artist of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Cookie brings a unique perspective on artistic resilience and community building.
- Bill Rhoads, Senior Vice President of Esperanza Arts Center, who brings over 25 years of experience in the arts sector and has been instrumental in building community partnerships across the region.
We hope you'll join us for this important dialogue where we can share experiences, strategies, and solidarity during these challenging times for arts funding and inclusive programming.