Guiding Principles

2026 – 2031 Strategic Plan

Children's Festival. Photo credit: Mark Garvin

Integrating our mission to provide the Penn community and Philadelphia with transformative artistic experiences and centering our vision to be a leading force in the future of the performing arts, these guiding principles communicate our intentions and priorities over the next five years.


Create Transformative Experiences

Our work will leave artists and audiences changed – intellectually, emotionally, socially, or spiritually.

Connect Campus and Community

Our efforts will strengthen and grow meaningful connections on campus and between Penn and Philadelphia audiences, artists, and ideas.

Drive the Future of the Art Form

We will nurture artists and new work, take smart risks, and invest in innovation that advances the performing arts.


To deliver our guiding principles, we commit to these ideas in action:


Ephrat Asherie Dance wiht Arturo O'Farrill in Shadow Cites, 2025. Photo credit: Mark Garvin.

Explore our 2026 – 2031 Strategic Plan: