The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Appoints Patricia Wilson Aden as President & CEO

September 21, 2021 (PHILADELPHIA, PA) – The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (Cultural Alliance), today announced that Patricia (Patty) Wilson Aden has been appointed by the Board of Directors as its next president and CEO. The appointment of Aden concludes the Cultural Alliance’s comprehensive 12-month national search and welcomes a highly respected and transformational arts and culture leader back to Philadelphia. Aden currently serves as president and CEO of The Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN and will assume this new role in January  2022.

“Patty Wilson Aden has long been a powerful voice within Philadelphia’s arts and culture community and as she returns home from Memphis, we have no doubt that she will be that same compelling voice – and leader – for the Cultural Alliance,” said Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of The Mann Center for the Performing Arts and Chair of the Cultural Alliance Board of Directors. “At such a crucial juncture for arts and culture, the inspiring and inclusive vision she has for our sector will benefit our member organizations, artists, and all participants in the creative economy. Under Patty’s leadership, the Cultural Alliance will continue to speak to the essential role of arts and culture in ensuring both a healthy regional economy and dynamic civic life. Equally important, Patty will lead the organization in supporting our sector as it strives for greater equity and a sense of belonging for all.”  

Prior to joining The Blues Foundation in October 2020, Aden served as president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) for eight years, where she grew and diversified AAMP’s revenue by establishing strategic partnerships, delivering nationally acclaimed programming, and creating deeper donor engagement. Prior to AAMP, she served as the executive director of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, president of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, and director of the Mid-Atlantic regional office for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A Delaware native, Aden holds a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and a master’s degree from Cornell University.

Of her appointment, Aden said, “I am delighted to be returning home to Philadelphia as president and CEO of the Cultural Alliance. Although the emergence of this role as a career possibility was unexpected, it is one that I embrace, especially as it has become important in recent months for me to be closer to my family. This region’s arts and culture sector is at a pivotal moment as we face the concurrent effects of the pandemic and the urgent demands for social justice and structural change.  The work that the Cultural Alliance will undertake in these next several months – and years – will have lasting impact on Philadelphia’s arts and culture ecosystem. I am excited to help lead that charge during such a time of great opportunity – and great challenge.”

Added Cahill, “In Patty Aden the Cultural Alliance has found the perfect person to lead the organization into its next important chapter. Throughout her career, Patty has demonstrated her talents in strategic planning, program delivery, and staff building. With deep Philadelphia roots and vital out-of-town experience, Patty brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and relationships to our CEO role. She is the right person at the right time for the Cultural Alliance.”

While Aden concludes her CEO tenure at The Blues Foundation, Priscilla M. Luce will remain as Interim President and CEO. Upon Aden’s arrival, Luce will resume her role as a member of the Cultural Alliance’s Board of Directors.

For more information regarding the Cultural Alliance, please visit www.philaculture.org.

About Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Established in 1972, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is the region’s leading arts and cultural advocacy, research, and marketing organization. Our mission is to “lead, strengthen and amplify the voices of a cultural community that ignites creativity, inspires people and is essential for a healthy region.” Our membership includes more than 450 organizations ranging from museums and dance companies to community art centers, historic sites, music ensembles and zoos. For more information on the Cultural Alliance, please visit www.philaculture.org.