On Nov. 12, Philadelphia youth arts nonprofit ArtWell will host an evening of celebration and community as they recognize extraordinary leaders from the Philadelphia community and commemorate 20 years of ArtWell programs with a free virtual presentation of their biennial ArtWell Awards.
Sidney Hargro, President of the Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia, is set to receive ArtWell’s premier award, the 2020 Visionary Leader Award. Past ArtWell Award recipients include Philadelphia Councilmember Helen Gym, esteemed poet Sonia Sanchez and iconic filmmaker Spike Lee.
Hargro is a social impact strategist, philanthropy advisor, artist, and speaker who is committed to advancing racial equity through philanthropy and activism. He believes sustainable change is tied to embracing the voice, leadership, and decision-making of those who have lived experience in communities that seek change. He is also a lecturer in the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, teaching equity-informed social impact measurement.
Guest speakers and performers include Ibiyinka Alao, Arts Ambassador to the United Nations; Valerie Gay, Deputy Director for Audience Engagement & Chief Experience Officer for the Barnes Foundation; poet and performer Jamal Parker; musicians Marcy Francis, Jan Jeffries, and Anssumane Sillá; and lyricist and activist Lyrispect.
Originally scheduled for a ceremony in April 2020, the 2020 ArtWell Awards gala and fundraiser which brings together Philadelphia’s arts and education community for a night of performances was postponed in accordance with Covid-19 safety and restrictions. The event now shifts to a free, virtual presentation for all ages as part of the organization’s 20th anniversary.
The 2020 ArtWell Awards will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. To join the virtual event, sign up for live stream updates, or become a sponsor, visit: https://theArtWell.org/2020.Â
