Darren Walker: how art fuels social justice

Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, talks about the power of art to initiate change outside the lines.
 
In this lecture, Darren Walker speaks about the vital connection between social justice and the arts. With art’s ability to shed light on the humanity of people, he will discuss how supporting a diverse set of individuals, institutions and ideas can give a voice to those who have been historically excluded, and spur positive change in the world.
 
Art and culture are integral to the mission of the Ford Foundation, a $16 billion philanthropic organization dedicated to addressing inequality and building a future grounded in justice.
Darren Walker is president of the Ford Foundation. Under his leadership, the Ford Foundation became the first non-profit in US history to issue a $1 billion designated social bond to stabilize non-profit organizations in the wake of COVID-19.
 
Before joining Ford, Darren was vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation. He co-founded the US Impact Investing Alliance and the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy.
He serves on many boards, including the National Gallery of Art, Carnegie Hall, the High Line, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, Committee to Protect Journalists, Ralph Lauren, Block and PepsiCo.
 
In 2022, he was awarded France’s highest cultural honour, Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, for leadership in the arts. In 2023 he was also appointed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II to the Order of the British Empire for services to UK/US relations.