Culture Lab
Art and culture are where belonging takes root. Cultural strategy is central to how people bring democracy to life and defend civic institutions, leaders, and norms.
Culture is Key to Democracy
Concerts, shared meals, live performances, fairs, festivals and art shows are some of the only remaining ways we gather in person across difference and in celebration of our communities and cultures. Culture Lab sees cultural venues as civic institutions and the artists and cultural workers who bring them to life as civic leaders who catalyze collective action, joy, and resilience. Baked into these gatherings are cultural traditions and stories that shape our communities, identities, and sense of belonging.
Keep up to date with this community of artists and cultural workers transforming gatherings into spaces of belonging. Sign-up for updates from Culture Lab:
How We Work
Defending Cultural Gatherings
We support cultural workers and venues to build the skills and structures necessary to sustain safe and inclusive community events.
Bringing Political Education to Artists and Cultural Workers
We collaborate with cultural leaders to engage their fans and communities in cross-movement solidarity and learning.
Organizing Community Response and Resilience
We organize artists and cultural workers to counter anti-democracy movements through creativity and connection.
Culture Lab’s Impact
Culture Lab has convened over 50 musicians to build community, take bold public stands, and push back against organized bigotry; and supported over 150 venues in providing safe and inclusive community gatherings since its launch in 2020.
"Hosting inclusive and safe events at our brewery hasn’t been without challenges, but working on the venue guide has helped me to put my own protocols and policies in place ahead of any issues. Plus, I’ve connected with fellow venue owners who I can lean on for support. I also know that I can call Western States Center for support if anything comes up that is alarming."
– Andrea Marcoccio, o
wner of Matchwood Brewing in Sandpoint, Idaho and coauthor of the “Safeguarding Arts & Culture Spaces,” a pro-democracy guide for Idaho Venues.
Listen: Smoke & Mirrors
The Smoke & Mirrors album features hip hop artists from across the US sounding the alarm about the rise of anti-democracy movements and authoritarianism. These tracks inspire listeners to vote for inclusive democracy and take action in their communities.
Toolkit: Safeguarding Arts & Culture Spaces
The Pro-Democracy Guide for Idaho Venues is designed by and for small businesses and venue owners across the state to protect their right to gather and express themselves freely.
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