Creative West

What does it truly take to create an environment where artists are deeply supported and valued?

The Creative Labor, Creative Conditions 2026 campaign is centering artists in honest, transparent conversations about the future of artistic labor. We believe that acknowledging the realities and nuances of creative work is essential, because when artists thrive, we all thrive. 🌿

We are incredibly excited to amplify these upcoming activations in Honolulu and the Bay Area that hold space for this important dialogue:

✨Honolulu, HI (June 19): Wehiwehi and Shangri La at Bishop Museum are presenting a thoughtful artist showcase and panel discussion.
✨Bay Area, CA (June 16 & Sept 8): SOZO and Western Arts Alliance are hosting a two-part activation aimed at reframing artists as essential drivers of cultural and economic value.
✨Bay Area, CA (July 30): The Center for Cultural Innovation will explore how artists and creatives are actively building conditions for economic and creative flourishing.

We invite you to explore the activations and join us in reflecting on how we can better support the creative minds in our communities. Learn more at the event page: https://site.dorisduke.org/creative-labor-creative-conditons-2026? ✨

Stories, connection, and creativity are at the heart of the Native Arts + Heritage Fund.

The inaugural cohort of artists reflects the fund’s commitment to cultural knowledge, authentic storytelling, and community care. Grounded in a responsive, trust-based approach, this work creates space for reflection, belonging, and creative expression.

Learn more about the 2026 artists: https://wearecreativewest.org/honoring-story-and-belonging-12-artists-awarded-the-native-arts-heritage-fund/

In the final day of Creative West’s Arts Policy Exchange, we’re digging into the “business side” of advocacy, examining coalition building through an "Arts and..." analysis, doing some interactive mapping of the region’s public infrastructure for the arts, and developing a unified regional vision and strategy for the future.

We’re grateful for this space to share experiences, refine our practices, and consider new directions for our work.