The core community
In Place of War works on the frontline of conflict, climate and social injustice in 30+ countries. Projects get funded. The infrastructure that makes them possible rarely does.
The Core Community is a small, curated circle of committed donors who believe that creativity is essential, not optional, in the world's most fragile places. Members make a multi-year commitment to providing the stable core funding that allows In Place of War to lead, not just react.
This is not transactional giving. It is cultural leadership. Members receive direct access to the work through private salons, artist conversations, behind-the-scenes briefings and quarterly impact updates, becoming part of a community shaping how art and culture respond to the defining crises of our time.
The Core Community is invitation-based and currently forming. If you are interested in finding out more, contact Ruth Daniel at ruth@inplaceofwar.net.
Core Community Leads
Ruci Fixter: Strategic Advisor
Ruci Fixter is a strategic adviser specialising in purpose, reputation, and philanthropy. With over two decades’ experienc in international advisory and communications roles, she supports high-net-worth individuals and leaders navigating scrutiny and opportunity. Her work focuses on aligning influence, values, and public presence with meaningful social impact.
Jo Vidler: CO-CEO & Founder AMFE
Jo Vidler is a pioneering entrepreneur who shaped iconic festivals like Wilderness and Secret Garden Party. Formerly elrow’s creative director, she now leads AMFE, providing business strategy and lifestyle offices. Partnering with CircoLoco and Arcadia, Jo continues to drive global cultural IP while mentoring the next generation of creative leaders. is also a passionate advocate for social change through artistic creativity, and has added his voice to human rights campaigns around the world.
Core Community Ambassador
Louis Theroux
Louis is a documentary filmmaker and broadcaster, best known for his immersive, empathetic style of journalism. Over three decades, he has explored subcultures, institutions and individuals on the margins of society for the BBC. His work spans addiction, mental health, extremism, family and fame.
Core Community Members
TOMMY YOUNG
Tommy is a Principal Engineer at Google and has worked in the digital video advertising industry for well over a decade. Avid lover and supporter of music and the arts 24/7, a musician himself in a past life. In addition to the service for In Place of War, he serves on the board of directors at HERE, a non-profit multi-dimensional theatre in lower Manhattan. Proud father to two cats (Dan and Darlene).
GINA COLLECCHIA
Gina Collecchia is a Brooklyn-based researcher and author originally from Chicago, with a rich background spanning music technology, interactive art, and algorithmic innovation. After earning her Master's Degree in Music, Science, and Technology from Stanford University's prestigious Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics, she authored "Number and Notes: An Introduction to Musical Signal Processing" (PSI Press, 2012). Following nine years in the Bay Area, Gina contributed her talents to the immersive art collective Meow Wolf in Santa Fe before joining Antares—creators of Auto-Tune—where she now develops cutting-edge algorithms for vocal processing. Beyond her professional endeavors, Gina is deeply committed to community building and climate justice initiatives, bringing her multidisciplinary expertise to In Place of War's mission.
Matt Black
Matt Black is one half of Coldcut, the pioneering DJ duo and multimedia collective he co-founded in 1987, and co-founder of Ninja Tune, one of the world's most celebrated independent electronic music labels. A restless innovator across DJing, VJing, remixing and software, his work has always fused cutting-edge artistry with activism.
