National Philanthropy Day: Nominate a Donor or Volunteer

Standing on the shoulders of elders who fought for women’s rights, ANNA Crusis is furthering feminism and music to incite social change into the future. The longest-running feminist women’s choir in the United States, founded in 1975, ANNA’s current membership embraces diversity of age, ethnicity and gender identity. Their musical repertoire reflects the rich spectrum of human lives and struggles, shedding light on issues facing immigrants and refugees, young people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and others. ANNA self-produces two major concerts each year and performs many community outreach programs throughout the season such as benefits, rallies, LGBTQ+ community events, prisons and shelters — anywhere that music can bring a sense of hope and empowerment. ANNA is also a founding member of Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) and a member of Sister Singers Network, a cooperative web of feminist ensembles and musicians working together to support and enrich the women’s choral movement.

We Are the Seeds of CultureTrust is committed to amplifying Indigenous voices through the arts. The organization was founded by a team of Indigenous women who are dedicated to honoring Native arts and cultures as a means to understanding Indigenous peoples, the history of (what is now called) the United States, and who we all are as American people today. We Are the Seeds produces cultural events that feature Indigenous fine art, music, dance, fashion, literary, and culinary art. Additionally, Seeds hosts interactive art programs that focus on educating and empowering the youth.

It goes without saying that this is a challenging time for those of dedicated to the live performing arts. At People’s Light, a professional Regional Theatre located in Malvern, PA, their hearts are missing that frisson of live connection. However, they continue to be driven by their commitment to make theatre in a larger sense.  In their mission, People’s Light identifies itself as a cultural and civic center with theatre at its core. Positioned in this way, theatre is the stuff we can create, but also a way of generating space for ongoing civic engagement and dialogue with and for our communities. So while they can’t safely produce plays in this moment, their charge to use artistry and creativity for ongoing civic and community engagement remains. In this article, they offer ways that they have continued to make theatre at People’s Light since the pandemic has taken hold.