The Philadelphia Cultural Management Initiative (PCMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Roy A. Wilbur as the Program Manager for its Marketing Innovation Program (MIP), a new collaborative initiative among the programs at the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage (PCAH). The programs located at PCAH are Dance Advance, the Pew Fellowships on the Arts, the Heritage Philadelphia Program, the Philadelphia Cultural Management Initiative, the Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative, the Philadelphia Music Project and the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative. All programs are funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, Administered by the University of the Arts.

MIP will seek to challenge arts and heritage organizations to explore and implement innovative marketing strategies for increasing the impact of their programs, increase professional standards with regards to public engagement and promotion, and ensure greater audience access to high quality cultural experiences. "I am looking forward to working with a wide variety of arts, cultural and historical organizations throughout the city on marketing projects that will help them to think 'outside the box' and move in new directions with their public engagement efforts," stated Wilbur. "I also anticipate the implementation of a number of research projects and community programming that will potentially have a substantial impact on informing how organizations in the Philadelphia region think about and relate to audiences. This is an important component of strengthening sustainability and a key aspect in adaptability in a changing marketplace. This position will also allow my colleagues and me to stay on top of the ever-changing arts marketing trends and new technology."

Martin Cohen, director of PCMI said of MIP and Wilbur: "This is a newly developed program to support organizational thinking in a myriad of ways. Unleashing creativity in organizations in relation to audiences as well as in the development of artistic work is at the core of its intent. My colleagues at PCAH join me in welcoming Roy to direct this new program as he brings extraordinary perspective, experience and creativity to the program. It will be wonderful to have Roy in a role that will greatly benefit the arts and culture community in our area."

Wilbur received a degree in vocal performance from Wichita State University in 1979 and a certificate in operatic performance from Philadelphia's Academy of Vocal Arts in 1983. He went on to enjoy a career in opera, performing throughout the U. S., before segueing full-time into arts administration. He has served as the Associate Managing Director for The Academy of Vocal Arts, as well as Marketing Director for the Institute of Contemporary Art, The Grand Opera House (Wilmington, DE), The Philadelphia Singers and The Philadelphia Drama Guild. In addition, he has consulted for numerous arts organizations, including The Pennsylvania Opera Theatre and Rosenbach Museum and Library.

Wilbur was an Adjunct Professor for Drexel University's Arts Administration Program for eight years, teaching Technology and Marketing the Arts, and presented workshops and seminars for Opera America, Chorus America, American Symphony Orchestra League, CINARS and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. He was a member of both the Advisory Committee for Technology Connectors, a program of the Philadelphia Arts & Business Council, and the Marketing Committee for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance's "Campaign for Culture."

He is a Board Member for The Philadelphia Singers, and has served on the Boards of Musical Fund Society, Aids Delaware and the Downtown Business Association in Wilmington, Delaware. In addition, he has volunteered for The Philadelphia Singers, Mendelssohn Club, Arts & Business Council's "Business on Board," Delaware's Arts Stabilization Fund, the American Foundation for AIDS Research and Philadelphia Day Without Art/ World AIDS Day.

About the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage
Opened in November 2005, the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage (PCAH) houses seven existing initiatives of The Pew Charitable Trusts. These programs are dedicated to assisting cultural organizations in the five-county Southeastern Pennsylvania region in developing high-quality public programs and effective management practices. PCAH is the home of Dance Advance, Heritage Philadelphia Program, Pew Fellowships in the Arts, Philadelphia Cultural Management Initiative, Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative, Philadelphia Music Project, and Philadelphia Theatre Initiative. The Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage is supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by The University of the Arts. For more information, visit www.pcah.us.

About The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Pew Charitable Trusts (www.pewtrusts.org) is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life. It partners with a diverse range of donors, public and private organizations and concerned citizens who share a commitment to fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society.

About The University of the Arts
The University of the Arts is the nation's first and only university dedicated to the visual, performing and communication arts. Its 2,300 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs on its campus in the heart of Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. Its history as a leader in educating creative individuals spans more than 130 years. For further information about The University of the Arts call 215.717.6000, or visit www.uarts.edu.