Photo by Keith Bailey 2011
Arlene Goldbard is a writer, speaker, social activist, and consultant who works for justice, compassion and honor in every sphere, from the interpersonal to the transnational. She is known for her provocative, independent voice and her ability to inspire and activate.
Arlene’s essays have appeared in such journals as Art in America, The Independent, Theatre, High Performance and Tikkun. Her books include Crossroads: Reflections on the Politics of Culture; New Creative Community: The Art of Cultural Development; Community, Culture and Globalization; and her novel Clarity.
Arlene has helped dozens of organizations to make plans and solve problems. They include nonprofits such as the Independent Television Service, the National Campaign for Freedom of Expression, and the New Museum of Contemporary Art; foundations such as the Rockefeller Foundation and the Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media; a score of state arts agencies; and many others.
She is President of the Board of Directors of The Shalom Center. She has served as Vice Chair of the Board of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, and Tsofah/President of Congregation Eitz Or in Seattle. She co-founded such activist groups as the San Francisco Artworkers’ Coalition, the California Visual Artists Alliance, Bay Area Lawyers for the Arts and Draft Help.
Born in New York, Arlene grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she now lives.
When I think of insightful, articulate individuals for speaking engagements or important deliberations, I always think of Arlene Goldbard. Flawlessly articulate and well-read, Arlene consistently has made important contributions to our work.
When you are ready to push members of a group beyond their current mental envelopes, it is probably time for them to hear from Arlene Goldbard. Arlene brings a wealth of experiences and accomplishments to presentations that challenge and enrich thinking.
I have seen people infuriated, confirmed, mentally stirred, and challenged by the presentations of Arlene Goldbard. I have never seen them bored, disappointed, confused or patronized. Arlene is a talented speaker who never fails to leave an audience with something serious to think about — something basic to reconsider.
— Anthony Radich, Executive Director,
Western States Arts Foundation
For a listing of consultations, publications, and talks, Read Arlene’s C.V.
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