Culture Lab
Supporting the cultural spaces and practices where belonging takes root.
Culture is Key to Democracy
Cultural venues are civic institutions, and the artists and cultural workers who bring them to life are civic leaders who center freedom of expression, joy, community, and creativity - principles our democracy and movements need turned up to full volume. Since 2020, Culture Lab has supported 150+ venues and 50+ musicians in providing safe and inclusive community gatherings, taking bold public stands, and pushing back against organized bigotry and authoritarianism.
Subscribe to Culture Lab’s newsletter In the Mix for research, analysis and recent press coverage.
Our Work
Investing in Cultural Leaders
The Forum Fellowship brings together venue owners, operators, and cultural leaders committed to creating inclusive spaces and resisting forces that threaten cohesion.
Defending Cultural Gatherings
Trainings for cultural workers and venues support safe and inclusive community events—from navigating ICE at venues to deescalation skills to risk assessment and mitigation planning. Explore our free resources and contact us to learn more about our trainings.
Mobilizing Against Anti-Democracy Threats
Anti-democracy and bigoted groups target artists and cultural workers through harassment, doxxing, planning hate-fueled events or targeting cultural ones. If you're experiencing intimidation or threats, you're not alone. Contact us at culturelab@wscpdx.org for risk assessment, safety planning, and community resources.
"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, owner of Matchwood Brewing in Sandpoint, Idaho and coauthor of the “Safeguarding Arts & Culture Spaces,” a pro-democracy guide for Idaho Venues.
Resources
Safeguarding Arts and 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.
Preparing for Immigration Enforcement at Venues
This practical guide for venue owners, operators, and staff offers step-by-step information to help venues prepare, respond, and care for their communities during immigration enforcement activity.
Responding to the Presence of Hostile Propagandists
Get recommendations for community members to be aware of potential threats from individuals who use social media and streaming platforms to create content that promotes bigotry and undermines democracy.
Explore pro-democracy art from friends of Culture Lab
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