Episode 7: CA Arts & Culture Summit Creative Equity: "Building Sustainable Futures for Artists and Communities"

Listen Now | VOC Producers | Share | Transcript | Donate | Resources

Other Episodes: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

CA Arts & Culture Summit One On One with Panelists Creative Equity: "Building Sustainable Futures for Artists and Communities" - Photos Courtesy of Doug Cupid Photography

Listen or watch this episode:

Stay updated on future episodes by subscribing to Voices of the Community on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube, or where ever you listen to your podcasts

"Artists must be at the center of decision-making, shaping policies and funding structures that directly impact their work and their communities” - Nataki Garrett

In this episode of our co-production with California for the Arts with speak one on one with the summit panelists who highlight the importance of creative equity in empowering artists and communities. Tiara Amar of Whippoorwill Arts discusses fair wages and systemic change for musicians, while Nurit Siegel Smith of Music Forward Foundation emphasizes aligning education with creative career opportunities.

Nataki Garrett of One Nation / One Project underscores the role of artists in policy-making and the need for long-term funding for impactful initiatives. Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer, CEO of Studio T Arts & Entertainment, advocates for placekeeping and empowering communities through arts leadership.

Discover their insights on building a thriving, equitable creative economy.

Tiara Amar-Director, Advocacy & Fellows, Whippoorwill Arts

Tiara Amar is a Bengali multidisciplinary artist and organizer based in Oakland, CA. As Director of Advocacy and Fellowships at Whippoorwill Arts, their work reimagines a just and equitable music ecosystem that nurtures the creativity and livelihoods of working musicians. Under the mentorship of Hilary Perkins, co-founder of Whippoorwill Arts, and in partnership with the Center for Music Ecosystems and 4A Arts, Tiara co-authored the Recommendations for Live Performance Pay and Professional Protections for Working Musicians (September 2023). Tiara is also currently a Facilitator in Mixed Media at NIAD Art Center for artists with disabilities.

Nurit Siegel Smith-Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation

Nurit Siegel Smith is the Executive Director of Music Forward Foundation, a national 501c3 organization part of the Live Nation Entertainment family with a mission to transform young lives, inspire careers, and champion a more inclusive music industry. Prior to Music Forward, she held key positions spanning two decades at various arts and entertainment organizations including Blue Man Group, Highways Performance Space, SAG-AFTRA Foundation, and Grand Performances. Nurit’s work at Music Forward also entails managing charitable partnerships such as Crew Nation, a global relief fund which has granted $18M to music crew members around the world since 2020. As a social sector executive and creative strategist, Nurit is dedicated to developing and advancing sustainable organizations that positively impact the world around us. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Californians for the Arts and California Arts Advocates. Nurit is a UC Berkeley dance and theater graduate and her work as a performer/creator has been seen on TV, film, and on stages across the country

Nataki Garrett-Co-Artistic Dir. One Nation / One Project & Arts for Every Body

A change-maker, trailblazer, Nataki Garrett is the CEO and Executive Director of the The Ladder Approach: Executive coaching, as well as the co-Artistic Director of One Nation/One Project and is leading their national arts and health initiative Arts for EveryBody. In 2020, She co-founded the theater advocacy organization Professional Non-Profit Theater Coalition (PNTC) – a national coalition organized to help the theater industry advocate for the $15B Shuttered Venue Operators Grant of historically unprecedented funding from the federal government. Nataki Garrett served as the Executive and Artistic Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) and the Acting Artistic Director of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). Her vision is to support artists; to manifest innovation; to inspire creativity and to ensure the future of performance by centering artists as thought leaders and change makers who transform culture.

An accomplished Director and Producer of Stage, Film and in the Immersive (XR/VR) arena, Garrett created and produced “Quills Fest,” the first of its kind event intersecting XR and Theater as well as The Cymbeline Project (Young-Howze Award for Digital Theater, 2023). Garrett is the executive producer the films YOU GO GIRL! (Sundance Award, 2022), and ASHLAND both by Shariffa Ali as well as Bottled Spirits, directed by Elizabeth Carter. Additional awards and recognition include Bronze Telly Award(2023) and the OMPA Creative Innovation award, the Ammerman Award for Directing (2019), the United States Artist Fellowship (2022), and the National Directing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and Theater Communications Group.

Garrett has served on nominating committees, panels and countless juries supporting artists around the world. Frequently sought voice for her thought leadership and expertise, Garrett can be read, watched, or listened to regularly across regional and national news media.

Danielle Brazell-Executive Director, California Arts Council

Brazell’s career spans over thirty years as an artist, teaching artist, presenter, arts administrator, and public official. Brazell has a knack for building new cultural infrastructure and innovating within arcane systems and bureaucracies. From 2014 to 2021, Brazell served as the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs; she was the founding Executive Director of Arts for LA, transforming the ad-hoc group of executive arts leaders into a new model for local arts and arts education advocacy. In addition, she served as the Artistic Director of Highways Performance Space and the Director of Special Projects for the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. Currently, Brazell is leading Super Creative Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in organizational strategy, cultural planning, and inclusive community development. Danielle utilizes her vast knowledge of the arts and cultural sector in this role to advance the support systems needed for creativity to thrive. In addition to learning how to throw pottery, she serves on the World Cities Culture Forum Board of Advisors and the DataArts Advisory Board.

Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer-CEO & Founder, Studio T Arts & Entertainment

Tamaira Sandifer, affectionately known as “Miss Tee,” is a dedicated advocate with over 30 years of experience in dance and youth empowerment. In 2005, she founded the nonprofit 3 Point - Studio T Arts & Entertainment, using dance as a powerful tool to connect with diverse youth.

Miss Tee is committed to uplifting communities facing poverty and limited opportunities by providing essential financial education, life skills training, and entrepreneurship programs. She also established a Sacramento-based Social Media Production Studio to support local businesses and mentor young entrepreneurs, especially during the challenges of the pandemic.

Miss Tee's impact is nothing short of extraordinary. With a reach extending to over 880,000 youth nationwide, she has been a driving force behind the creation of more than 25 national youth-serving programs. Her dedication to the arts is evident in the establishment of art programs in over 600 schools. During the challenges of COVID, she secured $783,000 to support minority-owned businesses and played a pivotal role in helping over 38 small businesses start and grow. Miss Tee also engineered an online platform that became a critical learning tool for youth during the pandemic.

Her leadership and influence have been recognized widely, making the Forbes 50 list of Champions, being named California’s Woman of the Year, and receiving the Outstanding Women in Leadership Award from NAWBO. Additionally, she has been featured in Hub’s Magazine Women of Color and produced the Best New Television Series of 2021, awarded by Access Sacramento. Miss Tee's accomplishments continue to inspire and create lasting change in communities across the nation.

In January 2024, Miss Tee launched the Studio T Arts & Entertainment - Innovation Factory (STAE-IF) on a block she recently purchased on Sacramento’s historic Del Paso Blvd. What was once a Youth Detention Facility now serves as a hub for creatives, entrepreneurs, and the underserved communities in Sacramento. The STAE-IF offers programs in career development and essential life skills, aiming to elevate the quality of life for all involved. To learn more or support the Studio T Arts & Entertainment - Innovation Factory and Miss Tee, click here.

Dalouge Smith-Co-founder & CEO, The Lewis Prize for Music

Dalouge is a champion for bringing people together and strengthening communities through music. He joined The Lewis Prize for Music as its first CEO in August 2018. Prior to his role at The Lewis Prize, he led San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory for 13 years and transformed it into a community instigator for restoring and strengthening music education in schools. SDYS' partner, the Chula Vista Elementary School District (California’s largest K-6 district) restored music and arts education to all 30,000 of its students as a result. Dalouge grew up singing folk songs with family and performing in professional theatre productions. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in World Arts and Cultures from UCLA and studied Gandhi’s non-violent movement for a year in India. He is married to Sue Ann and the father of Wright.

Alex Gallardo Valdeolivar-AIC Coordinator/Instructor,Arts Council of Kern

Renowned visual artist and muralist Alex Gallardo Valdeolivar brings over two decades of immersive painting expertise to his craft. In addition to his impressive artistic portfolio, Alex serves as the Program Manager for the Arts in Corrections program (AIC) at the Arts Council of Kern (ACK), where he has dedicated over eight years to teaching within California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) institutions. His impactful contributions extend beyond traditional art spaces, as evidenced by the numerous hand-painted murals adorning local eateries and public spaces throughout California, particularly in Kern County. Alex's passion for artistic expression and commitment to rehabilitation through the Arts in Corrections program have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

Ines Nefzi-Marketing and Social Media Manager, San Diego ART matters

A Transfronteriza Chicana and Arab artist, Ines is rooted in the dynamic borderlands of San Diego and Tijuana. Immersed in the local art scene for over 15 years, she has actively contributed to art collectives, movements and galleries throughout San Diego. In her journey as a self-taught artist, Ines primarily utilizes acrylic paint and her artistic repertoire spans from traditional portraiture to vibrant floral expressions.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Ines serves as a teaching artist, imparting creative techniques and expressive methods to youth at various non-profit organizations throughout the San Diego region, at community centers and afterschool programs. These experiences have provided her real-life experience in the value, impact, and necessity of the arts on the individual, community, and society as a whole. Emerging into her role as an arts advocate, Ines dedicates her efforts at San Diego ART Matters to ensure that the people of San Diego benefit from a strong creative sector.

Whippoorwill Arts

Our Mission- INVEST. UPLIFT. TRANSFORM.

Whippoorwill Arts is on a mission to invest in and uplift the work of roots musicians and nurture their creativity with a focus on collaboration, fair wages, equity, and social justice. We model equity booking and fair pay - and work to reimagine and transform the music ecosystem for all working musicians. No one has spoken for them until now…through our National Research Study of Working Roots Musicians, they speak for themselves. 

In Support of Racial & Social Justice -Whippoorwill Arts is an Anti-Racist organization. We stand with All Black Lives Matter and the Movement to Defend Black Lives and all people of marginalized identities vulnerable to systemic discrimination and policies that do not fully include and embrace their humanity. As non-profit leaders, artists and producers, here is our commitment and plan: 

We will hire and highlight BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ Artists and marginalized artists. - We will actively seek diverse applicants for all intern, contract and staff positions. We commit to be inclusive of all humans regardless of race, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status. We will center DEI within our organization, our programming and our advocacy work. Find out more about Musician Support, Music aLive, Fellowships, Songbird Awards, Collaborative Festivals, Advocacy, and how to get involved.

Music Forward Foundation

As part of the House of Blues and Live Nation Entertainment family, Music Forward inspires ambition and creates momentum to redefine what’s possible for the young people and the industry we serve. Focusing on young people ages 13-24 in underserved communities, we set the stage for success by providing workshops and showcases to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders, innovators, and artists. We open doors to an unmatched, nationwide network of music industry insiders to redefine what’s possible for tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. Both community and industry are transformed by Music Forward experiences bridging opportunity for the music community to become more innovative and inclusive.

In addition to defining pathways to success in the industry for high-school and college-age young people, Music Forward offers music industry professionals a way to give back by connecting with GenZ, sharing insight and experience, and uplifting communities.

Also in service of the music industry, Music Forward in partnership with Live Nation, established the Crew Nation fund- a global relief fund to support live music crews who have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We are honored to play a role in developing and managing this fund that provides support for these independent workers who are the backbone of the live music industry.

One Nation One Project

One Nation/One Project is a national arts and health initiative designed to activate the power of the arts to repair the social fabric of our nation and heal our communities. We are bringing together Artists, Local Governments, and Community Health Providers to foster equitable recovery and improved health in communities across America.

Our audacious new campaign titled Arts For EveryBody will show how the arts can lead to healthier people and healthier communities.

On July 27, 2024, in big cities and rural counties, hundreds of actors, muralists, poets, folk dancers, circus clowns, farmers, flower artists, skaters, cooks, architects, DJs, puppeteers, nurses, mariachi players, bamboo weavers and more will create new works that show the world where they come from. The result will be a celebration of American pluralism–of unity through diversity. It will be an outpouring of local joy.

Arts For EveryBody will do more than entertain, inspire, and galvanize: it marks a breakthrough moment in the relationship between the arts and health in America. Join the movement

Make a donation to support the local artists and organizations working on the ground in 18 cities and towns to foster their communities' health, vibrancy, and connection

CALIFORNIA ARTS COUNCIL

Culture is the strongest signifier of California’s identity. As a state agency, the California Arts Council supports local arts infrastructure and programming statewide through grants, programs, and services.

Mission
Strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all.
Vision
A California where all people flourish with universal access to and participation in the arts.
Values
• Community – Authentic inter-generational and intersectional connections
• Accessibility – Inclusion, simplicity, and ease, resulting in equitable participation
• Aesthetics – Recognizing all art forms and artistic traditions that enable full and meaningful creative expression
• Autonomy with Accountability – Empowered, responsible generation and allocation of resources
• Relevance – Broad influence, bold leadership, and synergizing collaboration for the present, with a sharp eye  toward emerging developments and needs of the future
• Equity – Service according to the need to prioritize racial injustice, representation, and visibility of all groups
• Sustainability – Wise, impactful, and responsive growth
Grants
Programs
Collective
Learning Center
Support the Arts

The Lewis Prize for Music

The Lewis Prize for Music, a $20 million 5-year philanthropic initiative from 2019 to 2024, partnered with leaders who create positive change by investing in young people through the Creative Youth Development (CYD) music field. At the core, we believe every young person deserves equitable access to music and the arts as part of their development. We sought to fill gaps where systems failed and reimagine new pathways for young people to thrive, lead, and shape the future.

Through awards, grants, research, and collaborative projects, we worked with over 80 organizations across the United States to support youth development, foster community impact, and amplify the transformative power of music. Over 80% of CYD organizations advancing in our awards selection process offered youth a combination of mental health support, social connection programs, workforce training, and entrepreneurship opportunities. These programs continue to provide young people with the tools to thrive and become leaders in their communities.

We celebrate the incredible CYD programs shaping future leaders and creating lasting change. While The Lewis Prize for Music has completed its active funding, we remain committed and inspired by the growth and expansion of the CYD field, confident that its impact will continue to resonate for future generations.

Studio T Arts & Entertainment

Founded in 2005, Studio T Arts & Entertainment empowers youth and families through arts and media training, fostering confidence and community leadership. Originally focused on dance, Studio T Arts has expanded to offer diverse programs like photography, videography, and digital marketing, providing valuable job skills. In 2021, the Studio T Arts Production Studio opened, offering professional facilities and training in media production. Studio T Arts also launched PopinPete.com, preserving dance history and offering online instruction. Find out more about Studio T programs Sign up for a class create something in the production lab check out job opportunities and make a donation to support Studio T Arts & Entertainment’s work. You can book your next event at the Innovation Factory.

Watch these videos to learn more about Studio T Arts & Miss Tee: Sizzle recap, Studio T Arts Innovation Factory, Miss Tee Speaker Reel, Dance Program, Media Arts Program, Music Program, Miss Tee’s Podcast, Side Hustle Academy Commercial.

Arts Council of Kern

The Arts Council of Kern (ACK) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the designated local arts agency for Kern County, dedicated to providing arts education, access, and advocacy to residents and visitors alike. In partnership with the California Arts Council, the County of Kern, and local agencies, ACK introduces innovative approaches to art while supporting artists, creatives, and organizations committed to enriching the region’s cultural landscape. Grounded in values of inclusivity, diversity, creativity, and collaboration, ACK uplifts and reflects the county’s cultural heritage through programming that highlights its rich artistic diversity, including traditional Indigenous practices and public art. By responding to the needs of community leaders, underserved populations, and the public, ACK builds a foundation for a vibrant arts culture, advocating for increased access, creative opportunities, and funding to ensure the arts remain a vital part of Kern County’s identity. Through its programs and grants the council supports local artists and arts organizations, fosters community engagement, and promotes the transformative power of the arts.

Arts in Corrections (AIC) Program: AIC is a partnership between Arts Council Kern, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Arts Council (CAC). Launched in 2013, the program aims to provide incarcerated individuals with opportunities for personal growth and development through creative expression. AIC offers courses in visual, literary, media, performing, and cultural arts, promoting healing and transformation both inside and outside correctional facilities.

San Diego ART matters

San Diego ART Matters seeks to strengthen San Diego’s creative ecosystem and advocate for greater public and private investment in the people and institutions that make our region's arts and culture sector thrive. In 1990, a little over a year after the City of San Diego amended its hotel/motel tax to include a set aside for arts and culture, the City Manager proposed to zero out the accumulated arts fund to close a gap in the City’s general budget. The proposal set off a shock wave across the arts and culture sector, forcing more than 150 nonprofit arts and culture organizations to galvanize, speak with one voice, and work together to fend off the crippling cut.

The story of how local advocacy efforts ultimately saved the arts is also how San Diego ART Matters was formed – then as the San Diego Arts and Cultural Coalition and later as the San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition (SDRACC). This group of concerned citizens has never stopped working to promote, preserve, and protect the arts for the benefit of the community. Finding out more about what San Diego ART Matters services and how to get involved as a Member and Making a Donation. Check out all of their research and impact.

Subscribe to the Voices of the Community newsletter to stay updated on future episodes and issues that matter

Thanks to our Sponsor

Voices of the Community is supported by a grant from the Zellerbach Family Foundation, whose Arts and Culture grants ensure vibrant work is created, new voices are celebrated, and artists and audiences inclusive of the Bay Area’s diverse communities and cultures have opportunities to thrive. Find out more at ZFF dot org

Voices of the Community is supported by a grant from the Peaceful World Foundation dedicated to fostering a culture of global peace through the promotion of hosted conversations and education. You can learn more at peaceful world foundation dot org.

Thanks to our CoProduction Partner

BAVC Media is a community hub and resource for media makers in the Bay Area and across the country, serving several thousand freelancers, filmmakers, job-seekers, activists, and artists every year. BAVC Media provides access to media making technology, storytelling workshops, a diverse and engaged community of makers and producers, services and resources. Get Training, participate in the MediaMaker Fellowship, become a member and produce shows through the SF Commons program.

Thanks to our CoProduction Partner

California For The Arts - Mission: CFA advances arts and culture in California by raising awareness of programs and services for artists and empowering Californians to advocate for the arts in government, business, and communities.

Vision: CFA envisions California as the most creative state, where artists and arts workers—from designers to musicians—thrive.

California Arts Advocates: This sister organization to CFA ensures that arts are represented in legislation, collaborating with CFA to promote awareness and influence policy decisions.

Get Involved: Become a member, explore their programs, and support the arts in your community.

Donate to Voices of the Community

We are fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which allows us to offer you tax deductions for your contributions. Please consider making a donation to help us provide future shows just like this one. If you want to send us a check, please make checks payable to Intersection for the Arts and write [Voices of the Community] in the memo line of your check. This ensures that you’ll receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes, and your donation will be available for our project.

1446 Market Street | San Francisco, CA 94102 | (415) 626-2787