Third Coast, a name you may recognize from their conferences and International Audio Festivals, is holding a fundraiser. It is an opportunity for you to invest in Third Coast’s future. At the time I am writing this blog post, the fundraiser has 21 days left. It has 97 supporters (so far) and has raised $8,620 (towards a $40,000 goal).

Here is some of the information about the fundraiser:

“This year marks 20 years of Third Coast. Thanks to all of you, we have been building community with audio makers across the globe and elevating stories that bring a shared sense of humanity for two decades. Since our founding, we have supported media makers by convening makers, recognizing talent, curating exceptional audio pieces, bringing the best work of all styles to local and worldwide audiences, and pushing the boundaries of what this industry should look like. We use these opportunities to raise the voices of those historically left out of the conversation: BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+ identified, and folx living with disabilities. And we continue to grow…

“…And while our work to become an anti-racist organization and advocate for equity in the audio industry is clear – the truth is we need your help to make it happen. These are extremely challenging times for our organization. This past year has transformed the world, and for Third Coast, a small arts non-profit, we are particularly vulnerable. Despite applying for countless relief loans and grants, and pivoting our programming, we are in need of much more support to keep Third Coast’s doors open. Help Third Coast stay intact in 2021 and beyond…”

It is obvious that 2020 has been a difficult year for many of us. One way to make things a little bit better is to donate to a non-profit like Third Coast who stands up for marginalized groups. You can donate directly from the Third Coast website (linked above).

Executive Director and Co-Founder of Third Coast, Johanna Zorn, announced (Google Doc) That she will leave the pioneering audio arts organization she led for 19 years. She will remain at the helm until the fall.

“Third Coast has been successful beyond my wildest dreams,” said Zorn. “At this juncture, I’m excited to pass the leadership of the organization on to the next generation, whose bold new ideas will foster the next chapter of Third Coast’s growth and evolution.”

Zorn founded Third Coast in 2000, alongside Julie Shapiro, as a project of Chicago Public Media. In creating the first home for audio storytelling of its kind. Zorn plays a pivotal role in the evolution in the field. In 2019, Third Coast’s position across an expanding industry of audio storytelling is more important than ever.

When Third Coast became an independent arts non-profit in 2009, Zorn steered the organization into its independent status, ensuring the organization’s vitality in public media and podcasting.

The Board of Directors and current staff of Third Coast have initiated a public search to replace Zorn on May 30, with the intention of filling the role in the fall of 2019. The position will be posted on the Third Coast’s website shortly.

Johanna Zorn wrote a post titled: “A Letter form Third Coast’s Johanna Zorn (5/22/19)” on the Third Coast website. Fans of Third Coast will want to read it in full. In it, she writes, “I won’t be leaving until the fall, and I look forward to working with Third Coast’s board and staff to ensure a smooth transition and secure future.”