Founded by Yona Backer, Third Streaming has over twenty-five years experience working at the intersection of the arts, philanthropy, and social justice. Backer has built a compelling track record for her capacity building work with nonprofit organizations; providing strategic guidance and implementation plans, assessing and designing programs, coaching nonprofit leaders, and managing complex planning efforts to affect change and achieve mutually agreed upon goals. Third Streaming meets organizations where they are and help clients improve performance, remain relevant in the larger ecosystem, and deepen their impact while putting sustainable practices in place. Whether it is to help move an organization from start-up to the growth stage, or generate a turnaround after going through a period of decline, Third Streaming is known for creating lasting organizational change.

Backer has developed a unique, global perspective in her practice. Her approach is collaborative, practical, and hands-on, and rooted in an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the arts and culture fields. To address shifts in funding practices in an increasingly global economy, she works with funders and organizations to increase visibility, streamline practices, and identify practical, integrated solutions, which are realistic to achieve. Third Streaming also works with individual artists and their families to develop, design, and create their own foundations including grantmaking, legacy planning, and other programs.

Yona Backer

Yona Backer (she/her) is a creative strategist, cultural producer, and a leading figure in nonprofit management. With over three decades in the global arts and culture sector, Backer's expertise spans a diverse array of roles, from curating and educating to championing artistic practice and advocating for social justice through art. Born in Kingston, Jamaica; raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and now residing in NYC, Backer's international background informs her multifaceted approach to arts and activism.

As the founder of Third Streaming, an interdisciplinary art space turned advisory firm at the intersection of the arts, cultural philanthropy, and social justice, she has made significant strides in capacity building and organizational development. Her consulting practice is renowned for tailored strategies that guide cultural leaders and nonprofits towards sustainable growth, organizational transformation, and broader social impact.

Backer's work with Third Streaming is characterized by strategic acumen and a deep commitment to transformative change. She guides organizations through pivotal growth stages, advises during downturns, and is renowned for instilling sustainable practices. With a collaborative, practical, and hands-on approach, her work is underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the arts and culture sectors.

Backer has developed a unique, global perspective in her practice. Acknowledging shifts in funding practices, Backer collaborates with funders and organizations to enhance visibility, optimize operations, and implement integrated, achievable solutions. In addition to advising organizations, she consults for individual artists and their estates, assisting in the creation of foundations, legacy planning, and philanthropic programs, thus ensuring their artistic vision endures. Backer's commitment to preserving artists' legacies is embodied in her stewardship of the Alvin Baltrop Trust, where she has launched significant legacy projects that have amplified the artist's visibility, recognition, and market value.

Prior to establishing her advisory firm, Backer spent a decade with the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, which informed her nuanced approach to supporting and advancing the arts. Her tenure there was marked by notable achievements in nonprofit capacity building and shaping the dialogue around philanthropy in the visual arts.

In her recent venture, Backer has expanded her focus to encompass the imagination and global change/sustainability space, organizing immersive environments as a strategist and producer. This includes co-producing the groundbreaking Visions2030: Earth Edition, A festival of Eco-consciousness through various artistic and experiential formats. Her leadership role as a catalyst at visions2030.studio further exemplifies her commitment to cultivating forward-thinking, imaginative solutions for global challenges.

Whether catalyzing an organization's next growth phase or stewarding an artist's enduring legacy, Backer’s expertise solidifies Third Streaming as a vanguard in fostering lasting organizational change within the arts. Educated in Art History and Archaeology, with a BA from Hunter College and an MA from Columbia University, Backer is also an Aspen Institute-certified specialist in Artist-Endowed Foundations Initiative (AEFI). She imparts her knowledge through teaching at the School of Visual Arts and as a board member of various cultural organizations.

For more information on Yona Backer's work and to connect on social media platforms, visit her Linktree at: https://linktr.ee/alvinbaltrop3rdstreaming