Gem City Style: June 2025

Jessica Hunter

This month, Jessica Hunter sat down with the new executive director of Erie Arts and Culture, Susannah Faulkner (40 Under 40 Class of 2023) to discuss the nonprofit's direction and goals, as well as Faulkner's personal growth and style.

Erie's vibrant arts and culture scene is buzzing, and at its helm as the new executive director of Erie Arts & Culture (EAC) is Susannah Faulkner (40 Under 40 Class of 2023). Returning to her roots with a wealth of global experience, Faulkner is ready to infuse the region's cultural landscape with fresh energy, inclusivity, and a collaborative spirit. In an interview from her offices at the historic Cashier's House in Downtown Erie, she shares her journey, vision, and the personal philosophy that guides her leadership.

Faulkner's artistic journey began at the tender age of four, dancing ballet at the MLK Center. This early exposure to arts education in a communal setting proved foundational. "Getting involved in dance, and specifically ballet ... really nurtured a collaborative spirit in me, and also made me quick on my toes," she shares with a laugh. This collaborative essence has remained a consistent thread throughout her life, always providing a feeling like "home" even across continents and states.

Faulkner's path has been anything but linear. After graduating high school, she was "truly dashing out of town," seeking experiences in diverse locales like New York, Colorado, England, Ireland, and California. These years abroad, particularly her time in the Bay Area working in nonprofit administration and advocacy, instilled in her a tremendous appreciation for diversity and culture. Her return to Erie 15 years later has been a pleasant surprise. "There's nowhere else I'd want to be," she confesses.

Her unique perspective deeply influences her approach to community engagement. Faulkner is particularly inspired by fellow returnees and by those who choose Erie as their adult home, seeing opportunities, four seasons, or a great place to raise a family. This shift from a local culture of "trying to get out" to one of genuine pride energizes her. She spent her first year back keeping a low profile, working remotely, and considering other major cities, but then, "I saw everything around me and all the seeds that were planted, specifically in the arts and culture sector."

Central to her leadership at EAC is a powerful vision statement, which she plans to proudly display: "Erie Arts & Culture is creating a future where the arts remain the heartbeat of every community in northwest Pennsylvania." Faulkner is passionate about bringing the "heart" to this mission.

Fostering inclusivity and representation is non-negotiable for Faulkner. As an openly queer leader, she aims to create visibility and ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals and organizations feel a sense of belonging within EAC. This commitment extends to examining the organization's funding and grants, striving for more flexibility to encompass cultural organizations that may not be exclusively arts-focused but primarily serve the LGBTQIA+ community. Her goal is to create more adaptable funds, especially in an era of federal arts funding cuts, to enable rapid response and support diverse cultural events.

When asked to describe her personal style in life and leadership, Faulkner states, "I am a colorful, open, and passionate human." This ethos manifests in her daily style and her conversations, where she actively seeks connection with everyone. Recalling her time on city council, she shares how she'd find common ground even with those holding opposing views, whether through a shared love of the Steelers or a favorite ice cream flavor. "I truly believe there is a point of connection with everyone. It can be found. And I want to find it," she asserts. Her ultimate aim is to be a "walking rainbow," embodying authenticity and inspiring others to do the same. As she aptly puts it, "if I'm too much, go find less."

With her vibrant vision, inclusive approach, and unwavering passion for connection, Susannah Faulkner is undoubtedly poised to leave an indelible and colorful mark on Erie's ever-evolving arts and culture scene.

Learn more about Erie Arts and Culture's work at erieartsandculture.org

Gem City Style is a monthly column featuring an intimate Q&A with someone making a creative impact in Erie. If you or someone you know would make a good fit for a future Gem City Style, email jessica@eriereader.com