Catherine T. Morris
Catherine T. Morris is a proud mother, social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cultural strategist dedicated to supporting BIPOC artists and advancing spatial justice. For over 20 years, she has produced shows, created platforms, and engaged audiences to experience the arts from a Black perspective.
As Director of Arts & Creativity at The Boston Foundation, she leads grantmaking strategy to best serve artists and communities. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Fest, a nonprofit breaking down racial and social barriers in the arts. Since 2015, BAMS Fest has employed 800+ artists, provided 600+ jobs, activated 40+ public spaces, and attracted over 70,000 attendees.
Catherine has been widely recognized for her impact, receiving the 2024 Arthur Fiedler Achievement Award and the 2022 Newell Flather Award for Leadership in Public Art. She was named one of Boston Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and has spoken at institutions such as Berklee College of Music, MIT, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
A proud alumna of Temple University, Catherine earned her Master’s from Simmons University.
Advocacy is a powerful tool for driving systems change, yet many organizations—especially those newer to advocacy—struggle with where to begin, how to build sustainable advocacy efforts, and how to navigate socio-political challenges. This session will provide actionable strategies for developing effective, equity-driven advocacy agendas while addressing real-time issues that affect policy, funding, and systemic reform.
Panelists from diverse sectors will share how they have strategically mobilized advocacy efforts to drive policy and structural change. Attendees will leave feeling informed, empowered, and equipped to refine their own advocacy strategies in alignment with their mission and communities.
Please choose one session per 1:45pm time slot.
Moderator: Catherine T. Morris, Director of Arts & Creativity, The Boston Foundation also the Founder and Executive Director of Boston Art & Music Soul (BAMS) Fest
Panel: Emily Ruddock, Executive Director, MASSCreative, and Erin McAleer, President & CEO, Project Bread
Speakers: Catherine T. Morris, Erin McAleer, Emily Ruddock
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