Nona Hendryx Opens APAP|NYC 2025

The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) annual conference is just two days away, bringing together hundreds of performing arts professionals from around the globe. Taking place from January 10th-14th at the New York Hilton Midtown, this highly anticipated event will serve as a hub for networking, innovation, and thought leadership in the performing arts sector.

Kicking off the conference, the Opening Plenary on Friday, January 10th, from 5:00-6:30 p.m., will feature a fireside chat with Nona Hendryx, an acclaimed art-rock vocalist, composer, technologist, and multidisciplinary artist. Hendryx will be joined by Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

As previously announced, Hendryx will receive the Award of Merit for Achievement in the Performing Arts during the APAP Honors on January 13th. Known for her groundbreaking work in Afrofuturism and her role as a founding member of the legendary group Labelle, Hendryx’s career spans decades of innovation and artistry. Her contributions to music, visual art, and technology include The Dream Machine Experience, a mixed-reality installation combining AI, AR, and VR, which premiered at Lincoln Center in Summer 2024. Currently serving as the Ambassador for Artistry in Music at Berklee College/Boston Conservatory, Hendryx remains a vital and inspiring force in the arts community.

In addition to the Opening Plenary, APAP has announced several key sessions that underscore the breadth and depth of topics being addressed at this year’s conference:

• “This is Strategy: Make Better Plans” with Seth Godin
  • When: Saturday, January 11, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
  • Details: New York Times bestselling author Seth Godin will share insights from his latest book, This is Strategy: Make Better Plans. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book (while supplies last), courtesy of longtime APAP member and donor Alice North. A book signing will follow the presentation.
• “Advocating Post-Election: What You Need to Know Now”
  • When: Saturday, January 11, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
  • Details: A timely session featuring experts such as Matthew Covey (Covey Law), Heather Noonan (League of American Orchestras), and others, who will discuss advocacy strategies and policy updates critical to the performing arts sector.
• “Arts RX: Aligning Arts and Public Health”
  • When: Sunday, January 12, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Details: This session will explore how the arts can serve as a resource for holistic health management. Speakers include Sean Jones (Renowned Jazz Trumpeter), Sarah Johnson (Carnegie Hall), and Nisha Sajnani (NYU’s Drama Therapy Program).
• “The Future of Performing Arts Funding: A Conversation with National U.S. Funders”
  • When: Sunday, January 12, 3:30-4:45 p.m.
  • Details: Representatives from major foundations, including Doris Duke, Ford, Mellon, and Wallace, will discuss findings from a recent report on the evolving landscape of arts funding and its implications for the future.

As the performing arts world converges at APAP|NYC 2025, this conference promises to inspire, educate, and connect its attendees, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone event in the industry. For more information, visit the official APAP website.

Main image source: APAP|NYC 2025 FB announcement.