Independent music venues are more than stages; they’re the heartbeat of local culture, creativity, and community life - and among the few remaining spaces where people gather freely. When these spaces thrive, they create connection, belonging, and resilience that strengthen democracy itself. 

In today’s polarized and politically volatile climate, venues face unprecedented challenges: political pressure, cultural backlash, and threats against artists and communities. In the face of these challenges, we must organize and strengthen independent venues.

Venues have a critical role in protecting their staff, audiences, and touring artists, pushing back against bigotry and intimidation, and modeling the inclusive democracy we are building toward. This fellowship is about equipping venue leaders to lead boldly — ensuring cultural spaces remain safe, inclusive, and vibrant.

About the Fellowship

The Belonging & Democracy Fellowship is a 7-month program for cultural venue leaders in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States who want to take on a bigger role in fostering belonging and protecting democratic values in their communities. This fellowship brings together eight venue owners, operators, and cultural leaders committed to creating inclusive spaces and resisting forces that threaten community cohesion.

What Fellows Will Gain 

• Political Education & Organizing Skills
  Learn practical tools for civic engagement and community defense, including:

  • Lobbying as a small business owner

  • Monitoring and responding to organized bigotry and authoritarian movements

  • Building belonging to inoculate against extremism

  • Developing relationships across identity and difference

• Community-Impact Project Capacity
  Design and implement a project through their venue with limited funding support. Projects could include:

  • Creating new or updating safety plans and communications

  • Hosting a “Know Your Rights” training

  • Producing a quarterly community spotlight event series

• Expanded and Deepened Local and Regional Network
  Connect with peers across the region and gain access to national networks through a sponsored trip to the NIVA Annual Conference (travel, lodging, and conference registration fee included).

Who Should Apply 

This fellowship is designed for: 

• Independent venue owners, operators, bookers, or cultural organizers. We will prioritize applicants in our core region, the PNW and Mountain States.

• People who see their venues as vital community spaces and want to build skills and networks to sustain them. 

• Leaders committed to inclusion, safety, and community well-being through culture and music. 

You don’t need to be an expert in politics or organizing, just curious, committed, and ready to learn and lead alongside others. 

Commitment and Support

• Duration: 7 months: March - October, 2026

• Time: 12 hours/month, including monthly virtual cohort meetings and 1:1 virtual meetings (plus NIVA conference June 7-10)

• Stipend: $6,750 + travel, lodging, and registration fee for the NIVA ‘26 Conference

Want to learn more? Contact Culture Lab Program Manager Chris Orrick at chriso@wscpdx.org or (503) 893-3803.