A Public Statement Regarding Photography Vendor Payment and Governance Transition

The WTFemme Arts Foundation is committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical practice in all professional relationships that support our artists, collaborators, and community-facing events. In that spirit, we are sharing the following statement to clarify a recent situation involving a photography vendor contracted in connection with FemmeFest 2025 planning.

In November 2024, the Foundation entered into an agreement with a photography vendor for services related to FemmeFest 2025. An invoice was issued on November 2, 2024, a contract was signed, and a deposit payment was submitted shortly thereafter. Decisions regarding outstanding payment obligations occurred during this period under a prior configuration of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

As the organization moved into late 2025 and early 2026, WTFemme Arts Foundation experienced internal leadership and governance transitions. During this time, the current interim Board recognized that outstanding payment obligations were not resolved in a way that felt in line with our mission and vision. We acknowledge that communication and follow-through did not meet the standards expected of our organization.

Former board members involved in the revisiting of the decision-making process in late 2025 were offered the opportunity to participate in corrective action and governance improvements related to this matter. Those individuals chose to step away from the Board rather than continue in that process and are no longer affiliated with the Foundation in any governance capacity.

Following this transition, interim Board members conducted a review of outstanding organizational obligations. The current interim Board determined that fulfilling outstanding payment obligations was both necessary and aligned with the Foundation’s fiduciary and ethical responsibilities. Prior to the release of this statement, all outstanding balances related to this agreement have been paid in full.

While leadership structures may change, responsibility remains with the organization. We recognize that delayed payment and inconsistent communication can cause harm, and we take accountability for that impact.

In response, the WTFemme Arts Foundation has implemented internal improvements to strengthen financial oversight, clarify approval processes, and ensure more consistent vendor communication moving forward.

We are sharing this statement to clarify facts, acknowledge organizational responsibility, and reaffirm our commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability. We remain grateful to the artists, vendors, and community members who support FemmeFest and our broader mission, and we are committed to earning and maintaining that trust through our actions.