Lambent Foundation works at the intersection of art, culture, and social justice, grounded in the belief that artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners are valued and essential contributors to healthy democracies. Formed in 2008, Lambent's approach stems from a decades-long philanthropic history focusing on human rights, women and girls, and progressive values.
Lambent's collaboratively held practice participates in a global ecosystem, dedicated to building long-term relationships rooted in trust, mutual accountability, and shared learning.
Michelle Coffey leads the strategy and drives the vision of Lambent Foundation while mindfully honoring complexity. By nurturing emergent ideas and welcoming uncertainty, Michelle works as an advocate and partner to imagine and build more just and equitable societies.
While working at the Walker Arts Center during the 1990s American culture wars, Michelle learned to fuse her work with her personal and political values and respect the interconnections between art, location, and community. Michelle has built on her background in human rights advocacy and philanthropy to develop Lambent’s approach. She served as Director of Starry Night Fund and Senior Philanthropic Advisor at Tides Foundation. Her portfolio spanned global human rights, women and girls, criminal justice reform, arts and culture, and HIV/AIDS. This challenging work alerted Michelle to the vital role of arts and culture in progressive movements. Michelle serves on the boards of Socrates Sculpture Park, Grantmakers in the Arts, and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.