Safeguarding Arts & Culture Spaces:
A Pro-Democracy Guide for Idaho Venues

Gathering spaces have always been more than just places to enjoy music, art, or entertainment. They’re where communities form, people connect, and shared experiences spark joy, creativity, and belonging. When local venues open their doors to a wide spectrum of identities, cultures, and experiences, they don’t just enhance the cultural landscape—they strengthen the very fabric of our communities.

Our work with Idaho venues is an extension of Western States Center's ongoing commitment to strengthening resistance and resilience in the face of bigoted and anti-democracy movements. This guide will equip venue operators with strategies and tools for creating safe and inclusive spaces, which is especially important in today’s climate where cultural spaces must push back against harmful and authoritarian actors.

Readers will gain the resources to develop policies, protocols, and practices that can be the foundation for a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. This will help venues respond to challenges and build capacity for mitigating and managing difficult situations. By committing to these principles, venues do more than provide a space for entertainment—they become critical pillars in the fight for a more just, inclusive, and democratic society.