By Jennifer LoConte, Director of Communications 

For Anne and Brad Baum, supporting ArtsQuest is about more than music or events, it’s about investing in the Lehigh Valley, the community they proudly call home. 

“ArtsQuest brings people together,” the Baums say. “It gives families, young people and artists a place to connect, create and celebrate. That’s the kind of community we want to help grow.” 

Over the years, the Baums have been enthusiastic ambassadors of the ArtsQuest mission, both personally and professionally. Anne has played a role in guiding the Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign, offering strategic input and championing its vision. 

One of the most visible reflections of their commitment is found inside the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, where the first-floor renovation, completed in 2020 and celebrated with an intimate ‘re-opening’ in 2023, was a major milestone in the campaign. The renovation included the reimagined Pour Bar, the Palette Kitchen, the Williams Brew Stage, and welcoming communal spaces for festivalgoers and event attendees. At the lively intersection of it all is ‘Baum’s Corner,’ named in honor of The Baum Family’s generosity and belief in ArtsQuest’s future. 

“It’s a space for connection,” Anne says. “To share music, conversation, or some cheer-it represents the heart of what ArtsQuest does so well.” 

The first floor also includes the Gregg and Cindy Feinberg Welcome Center, the Mike and Ike Box Office, and the Yee Family Connect Zone; together creating a more open, inviting and energetic experience for visitors. 

A Personal and Professional Commitment 

In her professional career, Anne has had the opportunity to support ArtsQuest, as well. Through her leadership roles with St. Luke’s University Health Network, Capital Blue Cross and now as President of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, she has been part of three cornerstone organizations that have served as major sponsors and partners of ArtsQuest. 

“Supporting ArtsQuest was always a natural fit,” she says. “Whether it’s access to the arts, educational programming or large-scale events like Musikfest, the ripple effect benefits the entire region-socially, economically and culturally.” 

The Power of a Festival and a First Impression 

Years ago, before they called the Lehigh Valley home, Anne and Brad were visiting the region while Anne worked on a consulting project. That’s when they first experienced Musikfest, and it left a lasting impression. 

“We were used to festivals in Chicago, but Musikfest was something special; free, live music everywhere, a walkable city and a feeling of belonging,” Anne says. “It really won us over.” 

That first experience became the foundation of a lasting connection. Today, Musikfest is a cherished tradition for the Baums. 

“We love hearing new acts, wandering from platz to platz, and the food, especially the corn. It’s the best,” they say. 

This past Musikfest, they enjoyed seeing Darius Rucker, but say some of their favorite moments come from stumbling upon artists they hadn’t planned to see. 

“Sometimes the best acts are the ones you discover by chance. That’s part of the magic.” 

A Vision for the Future: Creative Factory & Turn & Grind 

While their direct contribution supported the ArtsQuest Center’s transformation, Anne and Brad are enthusiastic supporters of the broader Re-Imagine That! vision, particularly the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL and the Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, Turn & Grind. 

“The Turn & Grind venue is going to open up so many possibilities for community gatherings and events,” Anne says. “And the Creative Factory, what a gift that will be for families and young people in the Valley.” 

The Creative Factory will house large visual arts classrooms, artist studios, modern gallery space, a recording studio, maker space, glass studio and a black box theater dedicated to comedy. 

“When our kids were little, they took classes at the Banana Factory-photography, painting, film-and loved them,” they say. “Having a beautiful new space to grow that programming is just incredible.” 

Anne is particularly excited about the addition of a dedicated space for comedy in the new Creative Factory. “Now comedy will have an incredible home, purpose-built for performers and audiences to really connect,” she says. “As someone from Chicago who had the luxury of easy access to comedy venues like Second City, that kind of space opens doors for the next generation of comics. Who knows, maybe the next Jerry Seinfeld will come through Bethlehem!” 

And speaking of Seinfeld, Anne vividly remembers the night he performed as a Musikfest headliner. “It was such a moment for ArtsQuest, proof that world-class talent wanted to come here,” she recalls. “We had a packed house and incredible energy. And, Vicki Doule and I had the special opportunity to do a meet and greet with Jerry!” 

ArtsQuest, Everywhere 

As construction on the Creative Factory moves toward its anticipated 2026 opening, Anne is proud of how ArtsQuest continues to serve the community. With help from partners like Moravian University and the Bethlehem Area Public Library, visual arts classes, camps and outreach programs haven’t missed a beat, with over 50 classes scheduled this fall. 

“Even without the building open yet, ArtsQuest’s momentum is unstoppable,” Anne says. “In fact, being in new locations has helped expand the reach and bring the arts into more corners of the community.” 

Why They Give 

For the Baums, giving to ArtsQuest is about legacy, ensuring future generations can experience the same sense of discovery and belonging they felt during their very first Musikfest. 

“When you give to ArtsQuest, you’re not just supporting the arts,” Anne says. “You’re investing in creativity, education, community building and economic vitality. It’s about building a future for everyone to enjoy.” 

And next time you find yourself at Musikfest, chances are you’ll see that future in action: a young artist’s first performance, families creating art and spending time together at Familienplatz, music lovers singing along to a favorite headliner at the Wind Creek Steel Stage, discovering new sounds on the free stages, grabbing dinner from a favorite Musikfest official food vendor or friends sharing drinks at Baum’s Corner at Pour Bar. 

“That’s the magic,” Anne says. “And it’s why we continue to say yes.”