The beat of a drum, the strum of a harp. The sight of broad smiles no longer hidden by masks, the thunderous sound of people clapping. The feel of a cold cocktail on a sunny patio and warm handshakes that turn into hugs. These are some of the sensations of the Arts + Business Council’s 37th Annual Awards program.

The celebration drew an audience of nearly 300 arts leaders, corporate executives, and community champions to the Barnes Foundation. Supported by Independence Blue Cross, PECO, AARP, Comcast, PNC Arts Alive, SEI, TD Bank, and University of the Arts, the Awards honored three outstanding collaborations between arts organizations and local businesses led by Visit Philadelphia, Orchestra 2001, and the Barnes Foundation. The audience heard beautiful music from Orchestra 2001 – everything from a harpist to a jazz trio to avant-garde “automotive percussion” – and Karen Smith and Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective delivered powerful poetry.

Following the Awards ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and access to the Barnes Foundation’s galleries. The weather was perfect for outdoor mingling, networking, and music from the Orchestra 2001 jazz trio.

Wonder what it was like? Check out some pictures on our social media. Or hear from one of our guests, “One of the most consequential concepts embedded in University of the Arts’ mission is to broaden creativity by immersing students in opportunities to collaborate across artistic disciplines,” said Andrew Pack, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, University of the Arts. “The Arts and Business Council Awards, which UArts is proud to support, reflect our ideals by gathering the city’s most impactful leaders who are forging new connections between the creative and business communities.”

Thanks to so many of you for joining us at the Awards, and have a great start to the summer!

Best,

Diana Lind
Executive Director
Arts + Business Council

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