What an incredible opportunity to speak to Brooke Ishibashi this week and learn about the historic arts advocacy of Be An Arts Hero. The intersectional grassroots campaign champions proportionate relief to the Arts & Culture sector of the American economy. Brooke, the Co-founder and Director of Talent Outreach and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for BAAH, shared the mission, inspiration, and successes for this essential organization born out of the pandemic.

A fourth-generation Japanese American, Brooke hails from a showbiz family. As a professional actor/singer, she originated/developed the role of “Neary” in Cambodian Rock Band and is passionate about exploring anti-racism, social justice, and trans-generational trauma. Brooke has clowned with Taylor Mac at The Public, been plucked by DJ Nash and Pam Fryman to star in an NBC comedy, crashed American Idol as sketch character “AKIKO!” and performed at La Jolla Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Geffen Playhouse, Joe’s Pub & many more. Brooke is a core member of Fair Wage Onstage and National Councilor for Actors’ Equity Association. Brooke has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

To become an advocate for the arts, visit BeanArtsHero.com to take action. You can follow and participate in the latest campaigns on Facebook (Be an Arts Hero), Twitter (@BeAnArtsHero), and Instagram (@BeAnArtsHero).