Gathering safely is a pillar of an open and free democracy: An interview with Andrea Marcoccio
Idaho has a long history of organizing to protect communities and community spaces from groups trying to silence anyone who disagrees with them.
That’s why Western States Center’s program, Culture Lab, joined with Idahoans in the live music, arts and event industry to develop a new tool: “Safeguarding Arts & Culture Spaces,” a pro-democracy guide for Idaho Venues.
Culture Lab continues to support the venues by organizing, providing resources and supporting events to respond to active threats. Venues provide a platform and space for free expression and community connection, which is essential for our democracy.
Read more from Andrea Marcoccio, the owner of Matchwood Brewing in Sandpoint, Idaho and coauthor of the guide, below.
Interview with Andrea Marcoccio
Tell us a little about the Idaho cultural scene.
Idaho’s cultural scene is fiercely independent. From breweries, to pizza shops to music venues, small businesses are the heart of our communities. We’re often the host for community events, whether intentionally about inclusivity or just to be places for people to get together and have fun.
At the same time, there’s tension here. Many businesses have real concerns, or have even had experiences, with hosting an event that incites harassment and threats.
We all want to do the right thing and make sure that everyone feels safe and welcome. This guide is a resource for the business owners and arts organizers I meet in Idaho who feel stuck and don’t know where to start.
We believe gathering safely is a pillar of an open and free democracy, and our communities thrive when all are welcomed, celebrated, and treated with dignity.
Why did you want to co-create this new guide, “Safeguarding Arts & Culture Spaces: A Pro-Democracy Guide for Idaho Venues?”
There’s been an alarming increase in protests, doxxing and threats to venues and inclusive events from groups trying to silence anyone who disagrees with them.
Venues and event operators navigated these threats with the help of community members, artists, fellow venue owners, and community organizations, like Western States Center and their Culture Lab program.
Through Culture Lab, I was introduced to a group of like-minded small businesses and nonprofit leaders that were determined to continue hosting inclusive, diverse events, while keeping our staff and volunteers safe in the face of targeting.
And we came up with the idea for, “Safeguarding Arts & Culture Spaces,” a pro-democracy guide for Idaho Venues.
What is one thing you want other venues and business owners to know?
All of our communities deserve spaces that are safe and inclusive—and modeling behavior makes a big difference in that.
For example, our brewery often hosts events for the Sandpoint LGBTQ Pride festival. What I’ve noticed is that one business feels safe and confident to host an event, it opens up the community to be a more welcoming place for everyone.
Other businesses in our town have even asked me about it, and it has inspired them to host similar events that are welcoming to LGBTQ communities. Overall, it’s been good for business.
Have you had challenges with hosting inclusive and safe events at your brewery?
It hasn’t been without challenges, but working on the 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,
And hosting these events is definitely worth it.
For example, I know someone who was born and raised in Sandpoint, but had moved away after feeling alienated. He came up to me and told me that events like Pride allowed him to come home and see themselves staying in our community.
How can venue owners benefit from this guide?
This guide was created out of a desire to to share how we’ve been able to navigate challenging, and at times dangerous, conflicts. I hope that other businesses use it and learn from our experiences. I hope that this resource reaches small, independent venues—especially those without the support of corporate backing.
And the guide can also benefit musicians who want to advocate and ask venues questions about safety for their events.
Ultimately, this is bigger than just being a venue for music, art, and entertainment—the ability to gather is essential for our democracy. Venues like mine provide a platform for free expression, creativity, and building community.
If your venue or event is being targeted by intimidation, harassment, or political violence, reach out to Culture Lab for support. Download the guide today to your own plans for hosting a safe and inclusive event.