The Broad Street Review Podcast: Talking the 2025 PVLA Arts Affair

The annual gala fundraiser for the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is really less of a gala this year and more like a party where all the coolest lawyers are, PVLA leaders say, because that's what happens when you hang out with artists and people who love the arts. PLVA executive director Nan Latona sits down with vice president of the board Gabrielle Sellei and board member Shekhinah B (who's also a singer and a featured performer) to give BSR the scoop on this year's event, and the legal landscape for Philly artists in the first months of Trump's second term.

Ideological and financial threats to cultural organizations from the new federal government are leading to more collaboration and cooperation between different organizations who know they will need to stick together to survive, PVLA leaders say. Through it all, their volunteer lawyers help low-income artists deal with things like navigating contracts and copyrights, making sure that small issues don't become big problems down the road. Some artists are fearing more city-wide shutdowns, not because of a pandemic, but because of martial law. The PLVA lawyers address their concerns in this conversation.

The Arts Affair is happening at REC Philly on Thursday, May 15 from 7-9:30pm. It includes food, drinks, and an exciting entertainment lineup hosted by Cookie Diorio. Tickets start at just $45. Get them now; this party sells out! BSR is a proud media partner for the Arts Affair.

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