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Founded in 2018 by poet Joni Whitworth, Future Prairie is a 501(c)(3) non-profit queer art museum and LGBTQIA+ artist collective based in Portland, Oregon, committed to empowering and amplifying the voices of marginalized artists. As part of our dedication to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and diverse artistic community, we offer free, peaceful, and safe coworking space for queer artists, as well as meals and housing stipends to support their creative endeavors.
Through the Pacific Northwest Museum of Queer Art, artist residencies, and diverse programming led by accomplished creatives like opera singer Onry Henreid and choreographer Shakir Najieb, we champion forward-thinking narratives from women, disabled individuals, racial, ethnic, gender and sexual minorities, and low-income individuals. Our mission is to provide support, resources, and opportunities for queer artists in the Pacific Northwest, cultivating a nurturing environment for creative expression and collaboration. By offering essential resources such as coworking spaces, meals, and housing stipends, we aim to elevate the cultural landscape by celebrating LGBTQIA+ art and the stories of those often overlooked, nurturing artistic talent and fostering a vibrant artistic community. |
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower and amplify the voices of marginalized artists by fostering a thriving, inclusive, and diverse artistic community in the Pacific Northwest. Through our queer art museum, artist collective, and supportive resources, we strive to provide opportunities for creative expression and collaboration, ultimately elevating the cultural landscape by celebrating LGBTQIA+ art and the stories of those who are often overlooked.
Values:
Inclusivity: We believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of their background, identity, or socio-economic status. We actively seek to involve and support a diverse range of artists, championing narratives that promote understanding and unity.
Empowerment: We are committed to providing resources and opportunities that empower artists to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and share their unique perspectives with the world.
Collaboration: We value the power of collaboration, encouraging artists to work together, share ideas, and create innovative, thought-provoking art that challenges norms and inspires change.
Community: We strive to build a strong, interconnected artistic community, fostering connections between artists, audiences, and other stakeholders who share our passion for celebrating queer art and uplifting marginalized voices.
Advocacy: We are dedicated to promoting and advocating for LGBTQIA+ artists and their work, elevating their stories and contributions to the broader cultural conversation.
Values:
Inclusivity: We believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of their background, identity, or socio-economic status. We actively seek to involve and support a diverse range of artists, championing narratives that promote understanding and unity.
Empowerment: We are committed to providing resources and opportunities that empower artists to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and share their unique perspectives with the world.
Collaboration: We value the power of collaboration, encouraging artists to work together, share ideas, and create innovative, thought-provoking art that challenges norms and inspires change.
Community: We strive to build a strong, interconnected artistic community, fostering connections between artists, audiences, and other stakeholders who share our passion for celebrating queer art and uplifting marginalized voices.
Advocacy: We are dedicated to promoting and advocating for LGBTQIA+ artists and their work, elevating their stories and contributions to the broader cultural conversation.
Strategic Plan 2023-2025
This strategic plan outlines the goals, objectives, and action steps for Future Prairie from 2023 to 2025, as we work towards our mission of empowering and amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ artists in the Pacific Northwest.
Priorities:
Inclusivity
Goal: Ensure that our programs, resources, and opportunities are accessible to a diverse range of artists.
Objective 1: Develop and implement outreach strategies targeting LGBTQIA+ artists and communities.
Objective 2: Provide meals, stipends, and financial support for artists with limited resources.
Objective 3: Establish partnerships with local organizations that serve marginalized communities to increase participation and inclusivity.
Sustainability
Goal: Secure the long-term financial stability of Future Prairie.
Objective 1: Develop a robust fundraising strategy, including grant writing, individual donor cultivation, and corporate sponsorship.
Objective 2: Create an endowment fund to support the organization's long-term financial needs.
Community Engagement
Goal: Foster strong connections within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.
Objective 1: Expand our programming to offer a wider range of events, workshops, and exhibitions that engage the LGBTQIA+ community.
Objective 2: Develop and implement marketing strategies to increase visibility and public awareness of our organization and programs.
Advocacy
Goal: Promote and advocate for LGBTQIA+ artists and their local, regional, and national work.
Objective 1: Develop partnerships with other organizations and institutions to increase the visibility and impact of LGBTQIA+ art.
Objective 2: Advocate for public policies and funding that support LGBTQIA+ artists and the broader artistic community.
Objective 3: Utilize digital platforms and social media to raise awareness and champion the work of LGBTQIA+ artists.
Priorities:
Inclusivity
Goal: Ensure that our programs, resources, and opportunities are accessible to a diverse range of artists.
Objective 1: Develop and implement outreach strategies targeting LGBTQIA+ artists and communities.
Objective 2: Provide meals, stipends, and financial support for artists with limited resources.
Objective 3: Establish partnerships with local organizations that serve marginalized communities to increase participation and inclusivity.
Sustainability
Goal: Secure the long-term financial stability of Future Prairie.
Objective 1: Develop a robust fundraising strategy, including grant writing, individual donor cultivation, and corporate sponsorship.
Objective 2: Create an endowment fund to support the organization's long-term financial needs.
Community Engagement
Goal: Foster strong connections within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.
Objective 1: Expand our programming to offer a wider range of events, workshops, and exhibitions that engage the LGBTQIA+ community.
Objective 2: Develop and implement marketing strategies to increase visibility and public awareness of our organization and programs.
Advocacy
Goal: Promote and advocate for LGBTQIA+ artists and their local, regional, and national work.
Objective 1: Develop partnerships with other organizations and institutions to increase the visibility and impact of LGBTQIA+ art.
Objective 2: Advocate for public policies and funding that support LGBTQIA+ artists and the broader artistic community.
Objective 3: Utilize digital platforms and social media to raise awareness and champion the work of LGBTQIA+ artists.