Donna Walker-Kuhne and her new book "Champions for the Arts."
The NYU Performing Arts Administration graduate program is proud to celebrate the publication of Champions for the Arts by adjunct faculty member Donna Walker-Kuhne, the nation’s foremost expert in audience development and community engagement. The book published by Theatre Communications Group is now available for purchase.
A groundbreaking guide to creating equitable, inclusive, and diverse community engagement tools and techniques for the arts, Champions for the Arts, builds on the foundation of Donna’s beloved first book, Invitation to the Party: Building Bridges to Arts, Culture and Community, which has become a foundational text for arts marketers and community engagement professionals worldwide.
In this latest book, Walker-Kuhne distills more than a decade of lectures, workshops, and consulting into a practical, visionary roadmap for leaders seeking to build thoughtful, respectful, and more effective community relationships. Through case studies and sharing best practices, she demonstrates how authentic engagement can create lasting, inclusive connections between organizations and the communities they serve.
“I am excited to share what I believe is a critical roadmap, strategy and multiple case studies that illustrate how we can thoroughly, honestly and sincerely engage and celebrate the wonderful diverse communities in America and worldwide. When we think about how to build healthy, happy communities, providing access to the arts is fundamental. Champions for the Arts provides the opportunity to make this happen wherever you are,” Walker-Kuhne notes.
Considered the nation’s leading authority on audience development and community engagement, Donna Walker-Kuhne has spent her career developing successful strategies for increasing access to the arts. Over the past ten years, she has traveled to more than 100 U.S. cities and 5 continents to give lectures, workshops, and keynotes specifically focused on community engagement.
A book signing and celebration for Champions for the Arts will take place on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Signature Theatre (The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036). The evening will feature a town hall–style conversation moderated by Dr. Brenda Aiken Thompson, followed by happy hour drinks and a book signing.
