APAP President named Vice Chair of PAA

The Performing Arts Alliance (PAA) is the multi-organizational advocacy partnership to which APAP belongs. Toney said, "I am honored to be named Vice Chair of the Performing Arts Alliance. It's not just an honor---it is a call to serve and to support the needs of professionals and organizations across the performing arts ecosystem. There is no more important moment than now to amplify our voices."

A national policy advocate, leadership forum, and learning network for U.S.-based nonprofit performing arts organizations, artists, and allies, PAA is committed to advancing movement- building for systemic change in our field, including creative workforce development, increased public investment in the arts, and centering racial and cultural justice in public policy.

Bertrand Evans-Taylor was also named the new Communications and Administrative Manager for the Performing Arts Alliance (PAA). 

“I am excited to come onboard to provide administrative and communications support to an incredible team of diverse performing arts organizations! As a performing artist and arts administrator, this type of advocacy work is deeply personal and affects me and those that I love. I look forward to the impactful work that we will accomplish as an organization,” said PAA manager, Bertrand Evans-Taylor.

Evans-Taylor brings over 10 years of experience as an arts advocate, arts administrator, and event producer and a lifetime as a pianist. He most recently has served as a marketer and community engaged specialist at Majestic Collaborations where he guided its marketing and community outreach strategies through a community engaged lens. He is also the founder of Ujima Denver, an arts-based social enterprise committed to elevating Black and Brown artists, their work and their voices as valuable community contributors through strategic event production and professional development.

Evans-Taylor graduated from the University of Denver with a masters in Arts and Culture Management with an emphasis in Outreach and Advocacy. During this time he was named a Community Engaged Fellow with the university’s Center for Community Engagement to Advance Scholarship and Learning, where he was awarded “Graduate Community Organizer of the Year”.