The Visionaries Among Us: Insights from Philadelphia's Women Arts Leaders and Their Call to Action

This week, The Forum brought together influential figures in Philadelphia's cultural landscape for one of our most important Signature Events of the year. The 2025 Leadership Symposium—"Vision & Voice: Women Transforming Philadelphia's Art Institutions"—offered a rare opportunity to witness the collective wisdom and forward-thinking strategies of the women who are shaping our city's artistic future.

The symposium featured an exceptional lineup of Philadelphia's arts leaders, moderated by Val Gay, Chief Cultural Officer, City of Philadelphia. Our distinguished panelists included Jane Golden, Founder and Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia; Cathy Young, President of Moore College of Art and Design; Maori Karmael Holmes, Founder and Chief Executive and Artistic Director of BlackStar and the BlackStar Film Festival; and Christine Cox, Co-Founder and Artistic and Executive Director of BalletX.

As attendees filled the room, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. This wasn't just another networking event; it was a celebration of leadership, creativity, and the transformative power of the arts in our community. We were thrilled to use this platform to shine a spotlight on Philadelphia's dynamic cultural institutions, the visionary women who lead them, and to explore meaningful ways the business community can support their vital work.

The conversations that unfolded revealed not only the challenges these leaders face, but also their innovative approaches to overcoming obstacles and their compelling visions for the future of arts in Philadelphia. For those who couldn't join us—or those eager to revisit the insights shared—we're pleased to offer this recap of the panelists' call to action.

The evening commenced with inspiring welcome remarks from Sasha Suda, George D. Widener Director & CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, followed by a mesmerizing opening performance by harpist Medgina Maitre of the Lyra Society, setting the tone for the conversations to follow.

We also heard opening remarks from Nicole Stuart, Executive Director, Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank on behalf of The Forum's Champion Sponsor J.P. Morgan.

Call to Action from Panelists

1) Form Meaningful Partnerships

Jane Golden: "For years and years, it was 'save the arts' but no, the arts will save you... Open the door to other ways of thinking. Think about the power of the business community and the art community coming together in partnership."

2) Invest in Arts Education

Cathy Young:  "Young people are our future, they are the ones who will lead us and shape our world... Every student at Moore does an internship, our students need to be mentored and advised by people in the fields they want to go into. We are looking for you to come and talk to us about how to shape this education so our students are ready to come and add value to what you do."

3) Sponsorship... and Lend Your Skills!

Maori Karmael Holmes:  "There can never be enough sponsorship for BlackStar's work... That said, there are folks in corporate who have different skills than those in nonprofits. If you have extra time to do business proposals, or a sponsorship deck, or lend the skills that you have in PR—people in nonprofits may need that help. Volunteering, serving on boards or committees is always of interest."

4) Get Creative with Your Marketing Budget

Christine Cox:  "There are so many opportunities where business and art can come together and activate each other... Look at your marketing dollars differently and think about how you invest that in your community, because people will see it. Invest in the arts and associate your name with organizations that drive community in our cities. There are great opportunities for cross exchange when we are creative."

5) Get Involved

The Symposium's moderator Val Gay  put out a call to attend an Arts & Culture Planning Session (next sessions happening tonight, April 9 and April 26). Learn more here.

We were thrilled to showcase the following Philly arts organizations:

✨ The Philadelphia Ballet ✨BlackStar Film Festival ✨ Mural Art Philadelphia ✨

✨ Moore College of Art & Design  ✨ BalletX ✨

✨The Lyra Society ✨ Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts✨ InLiquid Art & Design ✨ 

✨ Wilma Theater ✨ Quintessence Theatre Group ✨

Thank you to Forum Leadership:

Thank you President & CEO Meg Pierce and Board Chair Doneene Damon for making this Signature Event extra special.

Thank you to the Leadership Symposium Planning Committee:

 ✨ Karin Copeland, Chair ✨ Ashley Berke ✨ Zakiyyah Boone ✨

✨ Joslyn Ewart ✨ Maria Frizelle Roberts ✨ Latasha Harling ✨

✨ Alicia Karr ✨  Katherine Kelton ✨ Vicki Sack ✨