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Maura Cuffie
Senior Program Officer at ArtPlace America
Maura Cuffie is a dedicated professional deeply invested in understanding and exploring change processes within diverse fields. With a rich background in sociology from Drexel University, she has woven her educational insights into impactful work, primarily focused on transforming the not-for-profit sector. Her passion lies at the intersections of art, equity, and place, driving her commitment to fostering positive social change.
One of Maura’s most notable initiatives is her role as the co-founder of The Free Breakfast Program, a collective that exemplifies socially-engaged practice. This program is designed to ensure community members have access to nourishing breakfasts while engaging in meaningful dialogue about the systemic issues surrounding food insecurity and social equity. Through this initiative, Maura not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters relationships and highlights the importance of community collaboration and support.
In addition to her work with The Free Breakfast Program, Maura has made significant contributions to numerous organizations. As a Senior Program Officer at ArtPlace America, she focused on integrating arts and culture into community planning and development processes. This role enabled her to explore innovative approaches that leverage the arts to address pressing social issues, thereby highlighting the instrumental role of cultural initiatives in creating vibrant, equitable communities.
Her journey with EmcArts, where she held several positions, showcases her versatility and leadership in the arts sector. Initially joining as a Program Coordinator, Maura’s dedication and expertise allowed her to ascend to roles such as Program Manager and Fellow in the Arts Leaders as Cultural Innovators program. In her current role managing organizational cohort-learning programs, she nurtures a collaborative learning environment that empowers participants to harness their creative potential to drive meaningful change.
Moreover, her experience as a Create Change Fellow with The Laundromat Project further demonstrates her commitment to community-centric arts practices. This fellowship provided Maura the platform to engage deeply with grassroots organizations, establishing a greater understanding of how to harness artistic expression to advocate for social justice and community empowerment.
Additionally, Maura has contributed to the artistic community through her work at globalFEST, Inc., where she played a key role in developing logistical operations to facilitate cultural exchange through music and arts from around the world. Her early involvement as a Development Coordinator at the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program also showcases her long-standing commitment to public engagement and the arts, as she helped to promote and support community-based mural projects, which not only beautified public spaces but also emphasized community narratives.
With a portfolio marked by a profound commitment to the intersection of art, equity, and social change, Maura Cuffie is a leading figure in the not-for-profit sector, continually striving to enhance the role of artistic initiatives in fostering social equity and community well-being.
