I love speaking to people about harnessing the transformative power of art to strengthen human connection, repair the social fabric, increase civic engagement, and promote human flourishing.
My dynamic presentations weave together research insights with two decades of practical experience organizing creative spaces that inspire connection and dialogue. I integrate immersive moments that don't just describe the power of deep listening and human understanding – they let audiences experience it firsthand. Whether speaking to corporate teams, educational institutions, or community organizations, my approach transforms traditional talks into collaborative journeys that inspire participants to learn, grow, and take action. Let's talk!
“The energy in the room was powerful, and the attendee ratings were unanimously enthusiastic. Your thoughtful remarks were an important part of this event. We are confident that your participation will have tangible results in future support of the arts.”
“Watching you host that panel during SXSW about how art can change the world was a masterclass in interviewing. Your ability to ask deep questions and then help the other panel members work through those questions was beautiful.”
SELECT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
“Imagining a Flourishing Future” | Art & Democracy Day at Hopkins Bloomberg Center | October 22, 2024.
“Radical Conversations” | Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series | October 10, 2024.
“We Need To Talk: Repairing Our Social Fabric One Creative Conversation At a Time” | Davidson College | September 30, 2024.
“Art in Civic Education” | The Sphere Initiative at the Cato Institute | June 22, 2024.
“Imagine a Flourishing Future Together” | Royal Danish Embassy | June 12, 2024.
“We Are the Greatest Poems” | Sparkfest24 at Amphibian Stage in Fort Worth, Texas | June 7, 2024.
“Talking Across the Divide” | Friends of the Facts, a News Literacy Fair | Missouri School of Journalism | June 27, 2022.
How Art Can Generate Real Change In Your Community and Lead To Human Flourishing” | Fort Worth Women’s Policy Forum | November 12, 2021.
“Dismantling the Polarization Industrial Complex” | Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series | October 16, 2020.
“Seeing Your Way to Civil Discourse” | TEDxAmericanUniversity | June 22, 2017.
SELECT PANELS
“How Do Humanists Talk About Agents Of Leadership?” | The Public Humanities & Leadership: Classroom, Campus, Community | March 28, 2025.
“A Life of Art & Engagement” | Discussion with Branford Marsalis | University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy | February 20, 2025.
“Take Care: Democracy, Art & Healing” | University of Michigan Arts Initiative | January 30, 2025.
“Every Valley: The Story of Handel’s Messiah” | Book Talk with Charles King | Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany | November 21, 2024.
“Where Connection Happens” | Global Loneliness Awareness Week Summit | June 11, 2024.
“C’mon, Can Art Really Change the World?” | EU@SXSW | March 14, 2022.
Featured Podcast Appearances
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The Arts & Everything S1 Ep1: The Arts & Empathy
FEBRUARY 13, 2025
How can the arts bring us together in a divided world? In the premiere episode of “The Arts & Everything,” Brian Cole sits down with award-winning actor Stephen McKinley Henderson and artist Philippa Pham Hughes to talk arts and empathy. Through personal stories and inspiring projects, they explore how art can bridge divides, foster understanding, and create meaningful connections across social and political lines. -
Creative Currents S2 Ep3: Hey, We Need to Talk | Exploring Michigan Arts
NOVEMBER 6, 2024
On Creative Currents, you’ll learn all about “social practice artist,” cultural strategist, and curator Philippa Hughes. The concept for this “social sculpture” exhibit, open at UMMA now through Feb. 9, 2025, started in Hughes D.C. home in 2016. Hughes developing relational and creative experiences are aimed at strengthening democracy and repairing the social fabric of our country one conversation at a time.
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Stateside: Dining Across Political Divides
OCTOBER 28, 2024
The “Hey, We Need to Talk!” Common Sense Diner brings together a small group of people from diverse backgrounds for a free meal and guided conversation led by artist and social connector Philippa Pham Hughes. Folks from all walks of life and of all political backgrounds are invited to apply for the experience. Hughes joined Stateside to talk about the project, and about her experience dining with a divided America.
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The Vital Center Ep 14: How to Bridge Our Divides and Find Our Shared American Identity, with Philippa Hughes
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
In this era of deepening polarization and intensifying tribalization, Americans have fewer and fewer contacts and communication across partisan lines. Philippa Hughes is a Washington, D.C.-based social sculptor and creative strategist who has long attempted to bridge our divisions by bringing people together for meaningful conversations about art and our shared American identity.
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PR Future S2 Ep7: Dinner Discussions and Democracy: Breaking Through Polarization with Philippa Hughes
APRIL 1, 2021
Social sculptor Philippa Hughes has been hosting dinners with Democrats and Republicans to discuss politics and break through polarization at a grassroots level since 2016. In this episode, Philippa discusses what she’s learned through her experiences and research, and how we can start to have meaningful discussions around polarizing topics in our communities and as communications professionals.