Meet an Alliancer: Sarah Christy Gowen

Job Title: Vice President of Finance and Administration
 
Job Responsibilities: I oversee all aspects of financial management and administration at the Cultural Alliance, which enables me to work closely with our talented team to ensure that our financial strategies support the organization’s strategic goals.
 
Degrees/certificates: Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business with a minor in Philosophy from Lafayette College, Master of Science in Arts Administration and Museum Leadership from Drexel University.
 
Past experience working in arts and culture: During my undergraduate studies, I had my first experiences in arts administration leading several dance and theater student groups and interning at the Franklin Institute and Princess Grace Foundation during my summer breaks. After college, I moved to New York City to work for Armitage Gone! Dance, a contemporary ballet company, and then joined MF Productions as an event producer for fundraising events including galas and arts auctions for museums, foundations, and arts organizations. I moved back to Philly to work at International House Philadelphia, where I held several positions in the programming department before becoming Director of Programs and Managing Director of Lightbox Film Center. Before joining the Cultural Alliance, I served as Chief Operating Officer and then Interim President & CEO of International House.
 
Favorite thing about working at the Cultural Alliance (so far): I feel fortunate to be able to work at the heart of the vibrant cultural community in Philadelphia in collaboration with individuals making an impact across the sector. I am proud to know that each day my work is helping to support and advocate for the amazing artists and institutions in our city.
 
Favorite cultural institutions/attractions/events: I serve on the board of cinéSPEAK, a cinema that presents contemporary and repertory independent film programming that centers stories that are often underrepresented in mainstream cinema. Exploring the diverse cultural institutions in Philadelphia is one of my favorite things to do. A few of my favorites are FringeArts, BalletX, Institute of Contemporary Art, Barnes Foundation, and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
 
A fun fact about yourself: I was a dancer my entire life and was the captain of my college dance team. I have choreographed several musical productions and love all things Broadway. I even named my dog Fosse after my favorite choreographer!