About the Organizers

Anne Focke                                                                           

Anne Focke is an intentional generalist, a matchmaker, writer, and creator. She has created both short-lived and lasting enterprises, projects, conversations, and events. Some she has left or closed down on purpose. She works with words, ideas, and almost always in concert with others. She always has new things on her mind.

She was the first executive director of Grantmakers in the Arts (1999-2008) and editor of its primary periodical, the GIA Reader (1991-2009). She was senior advisor in The Giving Practice, the consulting arm of Philanthropy Northwest (2012-2014). Since 2009, she has edited Lucy Bernholz’s annual forecast, Philanthropy and the Social Economy: A Blueprint, published by the Foundation Center.

She has led or helped instigate the start-up of both nonprofit, for-profit, and informal enterprises including the Community Democracy Workshop (2009-14); What’s Up, an informal monthly conversation (2002-13); Arts Wire, a national online network for the arts (1990-95); Artist Trust, a nonprofit supporting Washington state artists (1986); Artech, a for-profit art-handling company (1978), and and/or, an artists’ organization (1974-84). She was the first assistant director of the Seattle Arts Commission (now the Office of Arts and Culture), the first director of its Art in Public Places program, and directed Bumbershoot the year it got its name. The Anne Focke Gallery in Seattle’s City Hall acknowledges her contributions to the city, where she has lived for over 40 years.

Edward Wolcher

Edward Wolcher is the Curator of Community Programs at Town Hall Seattle. Read a recent profile of his work on Town Hall's website. He grew up in Seattle and attended the University of Washington where he studied Philosophy.