Arts Funders Forum is a consortium of innovators with 80+ years of collective experience in the communications, philanthropy, and arts sectors:
AFF was founded by M+D, a global advisory firm that guides some of the world's most influential media and technology companies, foundations and global brands on communications strategy, interactive content development, partnerships and international policy. For inquiries, please email: info@mplusd.co.
AFF is directed by MCW Projects, an advisory firm specializing in next era philanthropic strategy and organizational wellness for leaders and collectives who want to make an impact. For inquiries, please email: info@mcw-projects.com.
Sean MCManus, founder
Sean McManus regularly advises companies in the areas of strategic communications, conferences, digital media and thought leadership. He was the original managing director of QuartzLive, the conferences and live events division of Quartz and director of programs at The Economist, leading content development for Economist Events in the Americas, including sponsored content and related digital media. Previously, he was a magazine editor; his work has appeared in the New York Times, New York magazine, Worth and Details. Sean has a master’s degree in US history and was a teaching assistant for Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Brett Dobbs, founder
Brett Dobbs has worked at the intersection of media, policy, technology, and law for the past decade. Prior to becoming an attorney, Brett worked for “Charlie Rose” on PBS and later at BigThink.com where he produced interviews with global leaders ranging from tech founders to heads of state. He has consulted for the World Economic Forum, BBDO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the African Center for Economic Transformation, the Global Philanthropy Forum, the Salesforce Foundation, Ergo, and NewsDeeply - developing online and offline platforms for engagement among influentials. He also led development of the US-Africa Business Forum in Washington D.C. in 2014 and 2016 in New York for Bloomberg and the Commerce Department. He is a member of the Illinois and Wisconsin Bar Associations.
Melissa Cowley Wolf, director
Melissa is an advisor, strategist, author, speaker, and coach working at the intersection of culture and wellness. She is the founder of MCW Projects LLC, an advisory firm specializing in next era philanthropic strategy and organizational wellness for leaders and collectives who want to make an impact.
She has 25 years of experience in philanthropy, programming, coaching, and strategic & campaign planning. Melissa has worked on campaigns up to $4 Billion alongside internationally renowned cultural, corporate, and academic leaders, philanthropists, collectors, and artists.
As an advisor and advocate dedicated to re-imagining and democratizing cultural philanthropy to better engage diverse generations and audiences, she was named by Artnet as a Global Innovator Transforming the Art Industry.
Melissa has lived, studied, practiced, and worked across the U.S., EU, and Africa.
Akash Goel, advisor
Akash Goel is a physician and writer passionate about leveraging both the arts and philanthropy towards creating social impact. He is a graduate of Harvard College and University of Michigan Medical School, and is currently an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical Center. He was named a New Leader by the Carnegie Council and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper. He is a fellow of the Nantucket Project and an Asia 21 Fellow of the Asia Society. In 2015, Akash was awarded a Cannes Lion and recognized by the United Nations for his work in human rights advocacy.
Spring McManus, advisor
Spring McManus advises private clients, cultural institutions and corporations on building and expanding their modern and contemporary art collections. Spring began her career advising municipalities on public art acquisitions. She then moved to Christie’s in New York, where she became a director at Haunch of Venison and later Edward Tyler Nahem.
Spring is an active supporter of the ICA Miami, the Perez Art Museum Miami and Young Arts. She has a master’s degree from Christie’s Education and a bachelor’s degree in visual art and art history from the University of Florida.
