This is a two-part narrative in which the first section describes some intellectual meanderings and the second is a “How To Guide.” If you are raring to “do something about how things are these days,” you are welcome to skip to the second section. But I invite you to rest awhile in my ruminations. Perhaps it will allow you to reflect on your association with the expansive arts and culture sector of Oregon and inform your actions in the days, months, and years ahead.

Section One: Where do things stand?

There are three strikingly different environments I seem to thrive in all at the same time.

1) When I immerse myself in art-making — I am a choreographer and practitioner of Bharatanatyam (a dance form that originates from the Tamil lands in the Southern part of India) — my creativity flows freely; thoughts become themes that then become movement, and finally there is the euphoric expression of the rehearsal process, culminating in public performances of sharing space and vibrating in the emotive depths of artistic resonance.

2) When I attend performances, visit museums, read poetry, and in general exist as a grateful recipient of artistic and cultural expression, I am left in awe of how hard art-makers, culture-bearers, and organizations boldly and authentically bring their full selves to engage our collective sense of joy, wonderment, and empathy.

3) When I sit at tables, speak at panels, or engage in collective conversations,  I am energized by the unwavering commitment exemplified by every single participant as we collaboratively learn, advocate, elevate, and strategize on how the arts & culture sector deserves more resources to sustain and expand our impactful work. In these spaces, while we tackle difficult conversations we also tend to coalesce around the understanding that our sector is a key ingredient that supports Oregonians to thrive as community members, creative contributors, leaders, and innovators in all that we do.

Moving through these different spaces regularly sends me down many different rabbit holes:

• “How can we effectively represent the web of independent, small/medium/large organizations, collectives, for-profit and nonprofit entities that make up the rich arts & culture community of Oregon?”
• “Do artists and culture bearers know that they are empowered activists as they bring their incredible voices to the world through their artistic media?”
• “Can we help more of our everyday citizens ‘do something’ for arts and culture so that we (in the field) don’t have to do this alone?”

So, that last question: Yeah, that is the one that I think about the most these days. Many of our sector’s leaders are doing their maximum and then some more. In the last few weeks, when attending convenings, I have observed how many of us simply give long silent hugs and/or knowing looks of acknowledgement. The cultural norm of asking “How are you?” or “What is new at your organization?” seems too much of an imposition given all the work that needs to be done.

Before we head into the realm of what can be done right now, let’s take a moment to acknowledge that the history of culture — which is the history of us humans through millennia — is one in which change is the constant. The definition of “culture” morphs and reforms every so often. How civilizations change, through innovation, invasion, and interdependence, directly creates cultural shifts.

When gunpowder was discovered in 9^th Century China, global culture changed dramatically. The Industrial Revolution, wars, epidemics, migration (forced or voluntary), and more recently explosive technological (social media and AI) evolution change culture and societal norms. As cultures evolve, so do the aesthetic, artistic, and creative processes of practitioners as well as needs of the larger society.

So here we are as a culture, in the second quarter of 2025 encountering museums, libraries, educational spaces, public radio, and arts institutions, being defunded and/or at the brink of being defunded. Now, many of you might be disapprovingly shaking your heads, saying – “No, this is not my culture.” To all of you I say this: “No one is going to know that you are disagreeing unless you say something or do something.”

Culture sustains us all, but it is also the responsibility of us all. Too many of us might like to think that the responsibility of creating our culture lies with the creatives, culture-bearers, artists, and leaders. But those who are the receivers of all that is created are equal partners in this work. All of us need to acknowledge that and purposefully take action to meet that responsibility. So, let’s get to work and do our part to keep the cultural vibrance of our sector visible, elevated, funded, and evolving.

Section Two: What can I do?

This is designed in a “choose your own adventure” format. The need to be educated on the things we care about allows us to understand the communities who are already doing the work. This also means we can join forces with existing actions, not feel like we are doing anything alone, and keep building community no matter what. There is a lot here. Take this at your own pace, but the invitation is that you take action continually so that we can keep reinforcing the cultural communities we stand by and we represent.  

EDUCATE

“It’s critical to recognize the role arts and culture play in sustaining our communities. The arts provide more than beauty and inspiration. They are an irreplaceable force for connection, innovation, and resilience; the arts are a must-have in times like these. At the Miller Foundation, we believe in the power of collective action to preserve and grow Oregon’s rich, and ever-changing, cultural heritage. Subashini’s practical steps offer a roadmap for us all to joyfully join in shared responsibility to ensure arts remain a thriving part of our collective future.” — Carrie Hoops, Executive Director, James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation

National Level Advocacy Resources:

State and Regional Advocacy Resources:

Oregon State Culture-Promoting Entities:

— Local (County and City) Culture Promoting Entities.

— County and Tribal Cultural Coalitions: https://www.culturaltrust.org/about-us/coalitions/

— City Alliances or Commissions: Check your city/county for information on your local arts & culture commission.

Current Bills in the Oregon State Legislature. Familiarize yourself with bills in the current legislative session relating to arts & culture:

• HB3167: The “Fan Fairness and Transparency Act” helps provide access to clear information about ticket pricing so that ticket buyers can make informed decisions free from hidden charges and other unfair practices.  
• HB 3189: Improve Access to State Funding for Arts/Culture Providers: Increase the grants budget of the Oregon Arts Commission to $10 million so that more funding can be distributed to our sector. Support One-Time Funding ($5.5 Million) for six Large Arts Organizations.
• HB 3191: Provide Capital to the Cultural Resources Economic Fund (CREF) Slate — 13 Arts/Culture Community Projects. These projects represent the geography of Oregon, including Coos Bay, Jacksonville, Mt.Hood, Ashland, Salem, and Bend.
• HB 3190: Encourage Investment in Preservation and Reuse of Historic Properties: This is done in partnership with Restore Oregon.

NOTE : For Bill Details (Full text, Activity etc) visit https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1# and type bill number after clicking the “Bills” icon.

PARTICIPATE

“Vibrant cultural organizations are an essential part of vibrant communities — they inspire wonder, learning and a deeper connection to our shared humanity. It takes decades to build a community’s cultural infrastructure, from museums to performing arts organizations, so continuing to support these efforts is vital. Now is the perfect time to share that you value cultural organizations, whether it’s volunteering or voicing that they make a meaningful impact in your life.”  — Dana Whitelaw, Executive Director, High Desert Museum, Bend

• Figure out what two or three things you want to focus on. Then build a plan to take action once a month for at least six months. Eg.: If you are interested in America 250 Oregon, then 1) attend the public virtual meetings, 2) promote the Oregon guidelines in your community for consideration, and 3) submit events that emerge from your outreach to the Commission through the website. 
• If there is a local newspaper, consider writing about how this sector matters to you, your community, and what you would like to see happen. For more resources to support you in writing, here is a Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon Advocacy 101 resource page: https://oregonculture.org/2025/03/advocacy101recap/
• If your city or county has an arts alliance or arts council, connect with them and see how you can engage with them.
• Donate to, volunteer at, and spread the word about your local arts and cultural organizations within your immediate circles. This time tested method of participation is critical right now.
• Write letters to your state and/or federal legislators. 

RELATE AND COLLABORATE

“Talk to people you know in your communities … especially with people who you historically disagreed with. We have so much that is special in our state and we need to talk to each other now and help bring greater consciousness about the programs and cultural spaces that matter to us.” — Adam Davis, Executive Director, Oregon Humanities

• Attend live performances, gallery openings, community conversations, and generally show up to support your local artists, culture bearers, and organizations.
• If you appreciated a performance or discovered a new cultural organization in your midst, talk about it with your friends and family members. Arts and culture are best experienced with friends and loved ones.
• Subscribe to e-newsletters that will keep you informed of cultural activities and happenings in your community.
• Learn more about how teaching artists enrich the educational lives and creativity of K-12 students. If you are in the K-12 education system (teachers, parents, school district administrators, etc.) seek connections to your city/county arts alliance/council to bring teaching artists into your classrooms.
• Oregon State resources are available here: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/standards/arts/pages/arts-education-resources.aspx.