Representing a Diversity of Voices on Stage

Telling the story of your organization and why your work matters is one of the most important parts of an event. Who tells that story shows not only who you serve, but also who you value.

This year marked the 50th anniversary for the Oregon Arts Commission, and the annual Governor’s Arts Awards and Oregon Arts Summit was a full day of amazing performances, compelling conversations and recognition of artist contributions throughout the state. The voices from stage and the honorees reflected the diverse people who make the arts in Oregon so rich.

From emcee MOsley WOtta to Poet Laureate Elizabeth Woody to Arvie Smith, who received the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, to an incredible keynote Tony Kushner, this year’s Arts Summit recognized and included many different voices. The program also showed the range of creative impact throughout Oregon in a rich and authentic way. In its 50th year, Oregon Arts Commission wanted to use this Arts Summit as an opportunity to discuss the impacts of art and creative expression, as well as the role of art in political activism, how we achieve equitable access to the arts and the potential for economic impact in Oregon. To discuss such topics requires a broad range of voices.

When you’re thinking about the goals of your event aside from fundraising, consider what message you want your audience to leave with. Being intentional about bringing in a range of perspectives and backgrounds helps to represent the reach of your organization and connect more people to your mission. Think about your audience, who you represent and who makes your organization what it is.