Austin Stewart

About Austin

Austin Stewart (IAA 02-05) joined Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum in June 2023 as chief philanthropy and advancement officer. In this role, Austin collaborates with the Museum’s executive leadership team to develop organizational strategy and a framework for the museum’s growth and continued excellence in serving Philadelphia families and youth. He also spearheads special projects and initiatives to further the museum’s mission to change children’s lives as they discover the power of learning through play.  

Austin is a trained musician and historian committed to building sustainable organizations that create opportunities for individuals and communities. In his previous role as director of planned and major gifts for the Curtis Institute of Music (CIM) in Philadelphia, Austin blended his knowledge of higher education and the arts to play a principal role in the final phase of a $250M comprehensive campaign. Before CIM, he led fundraising efforts at Opera Lafayette in Washington, D.C., and New York City to broaden their domestic and foreign donor base and educational reach. Austin’s philanthropic work for some of the nation’s prestigious cultural music institutions is coupled with operational and government relations experience, serving as Chorus Pro Musica’s director of operations and at Detroit Opera (formerly Michigan Opera Theatre) in roles from audience engagement to foundation and government relations.

Austin’s passion for learning and the arts drove him to a robust career in the cultural community, starting with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from the University of Michigan and a master’s from the University of Texas-Austin before receiving his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Michigan. Outside of his professional work, he serves as the vice president of the Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra and on the development committees of Miami’s Nu Deco Ensemble and the Society for American Music.