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Photo by Adam Fontana
StateraArts has made a title change to one of the key positions in our organization. Previously known as “Social Media Coordinator”, the title of this position has now been changed to “Director of Online Communities.” The reasoning behind this is to incorporate a title that more accurately reflects the actual duties, responsibilities, and nature of the position.
For the past three and a half years, Erika Vetter Fontana has served as the Social Media Coordinator for StateraArts. Her relationship with Statera goes all the way back to our first conference in 2015. At Statera, we are committed to creating pathways for women and non-binary people in the arts industry, and we are also committed to honoring the strength, passion, and vision of the many team members working within the organization.
Statera Executive Director, Melinda Pfundstein says, “Erika’s contribution to the Statera community and the organization as a whole cannot be underestimated. Since joining the team in 2015, Erika has lead from within to help shape the ways in which we reach and build community around the world.”
Today, we’re excited to re-introduce you to our Director of Online Communities, Erika Vetter Fontana.
Erika Vetter Fontana in Really Really Theatre Group's production of LUNGS (Photo by Zoë Burchard)
SA: What lights you up?
Erika Vetter Fontana: Taking on a colossal challenge I’m fiercely passionate about. I’ll never feel more light than I do in the moments I overcome those challenges, success or no, because I’ve inevitably surprised myself in what I’ve learned. Incidentally, these are the moments when I feel I’m apart of something much bigger than myself.
SA: What is your "WHY"? Meaning why do you do the work you do - your personal mission.
EVF: I want to be the artist who bridges their work to their dedication to society— or the citizen artist. I want my work to have positive, enduring impact on myself and my community. I want to build and contribute to spaces and groups that practice holistic artistic collaboration.
SA: How is your "WHY" integrated with your work at Statera?
EVF: To be honest, my work with Statera has been an integral part of shaping my “why”. I got involved with Statera at their inaugural conference back in 2015 at a time when I was feeling fairly lost and uninspired. Positive action to create positive change, bringing women and non-binary artists into full and equal participation in the arts— these are pillars of my work now.
SA: What is your vision for the work you do at Statera?
EVF: The Statera mission is about bringing more creative minds to the table, amplifying artistry of those who are creating positive change, and advocating for an arts industry that reflects our gloriously diverse world. Social media has changed the way we connect and stay connected. My hope is to use our social media platforms to widen the scope of artistry and representation we see, and build our community taking part in this movement.
SA: Tell us about a mentor in your life.
EVF: I have a great mentor in Valerie Curtis-Newton. She is insanely talented, profoundly wise and impactfully intentional in her work, and she is generous about sharing all of it. I’ve learned a lot about what it means to be a bold and collaborative artist from her.
Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages to engage with our community and be part of the gender parity movement!