THE CULTURE CODE
Manifesto: The Guiding Ethos of Culturelle Collective
WHO WE ARE
Culturelle Collective is a transformative and innovative cultural initiative dedicated to elevating the voices of local creative artists and community leaders. We aim to forge spaces where imagination, expression, and collaborative efforts intersect, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for artists and change-makers to thrive. Through arts education, philanthropic engagement, and community-driven projects, our mission is to empower individuals—especially youth—by providing the tools, resources, and support they need to explore, express, and amplify their creative potential.
As a platform for both emerging and established artists, we provide grants, residencies, immersive events, community workshops, and culturally responsive learning curricula. Culturelle Collective acts as a catalyst for positive social change by promoting the transformative power of imagination and collective action.
OUR CULTURE CODES
At the core of Culturelle Collective are three non-negotiable principles that guide every action, decision, and engagement:
1. The Inherent Risk
We understand the inherent risk that comes with our work as artists. Our projects may disrupt existing norms, challenge societal constructs, and question the status quo. This can often make us targets of both public and political scrutiny. Yet, we embrace this risk with integrity and openness. We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve and reject secrecy, gatekeeping, or any form of exploitation. Authentic collaboration, vulnerability, and transparency are our pillars, ensuring that we continue to nurture spaces where art challenges, educates, and heals.
2. Artistic Sovereignty
Culturelle Collective acknowledges the historical and ongoing struggles faced by artists, particularly those from marginalized communities. Born in Portland, Oregon—home to the only state constitution in the United States that explicitly enforced racial and ethnic exclusion—we are committed to fighting for sovereignty over our own creative expression. We recognize the importance of protecting artistic ownership and championing the rights of artists to freely express their vision without exploitation. Creative freedom, fair compensation, and ownership of one's art are fundamental rights that are non-negotiable within our ethos.
3. Community Reciprocity
Inspired by the wisdom of indigenous and tribal communities across the world, we believe in the power of legacy-building, resource-sharing, and collective wisdom. At Culturelle Collective, reciprocity is the guiding force that binds us to the land and each other. We don’t simply take—we give back, sharing not only material resources but also knowledge, opportunities, and emotional support. We honor the importance of mutual aid, where every contribution—no matter how small—adds value to the greater whole, creating an ever-evolving system of care, respect, and nurturing.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Culturelle Collective is an ecosystem designed to build infrastructure where artists can thrive, grow, and sustain their craft. We disrupt traditional funding models by creating cultural currency that ensures support isn’t just financial but transformative in real, measurable ways.
We do not view art as a commodity; we view it as a tool for resistance. Through storytelling, we amplify marginalized voices, challenge dominant narratives, and rewrite histories from within. We do not wait for permission to create; we are creators of our own destiny and advocates for the dignity of every artist's voice.
HOW WE MOVE
Culturelle Collective is a holistic movement—grounded in our shared belief in transformative cultural change. Our guiding initiatives and programs are designed to impact both individual artists and the broader community:
The Empowerment Fund
A financial ecosystem designed to provide direct support to artists and educators, ensuring that marginalized voices receive the resources they need to thrive. This fund is a catalyst for long-term sustainability, offering grants, scholarships, and financial aid to help creatives and educators build generational wealth.
The Farm to Freedom Fund
Rooted in mutual aid, this fund links the struggles of food systems with the creative economies. It supports food justice initiatives and empowers individuals to take ownership over both the food they consume and the culture they create. The aim is to bridge art and agriculture through community-driven solutions.
Community Workshops
These open workshops are designed to equip artists and creatives with the practical skills they need to elevate their craft, whether through mentorship, hands-on training, or collaborative projects. We believe that education is a tool for empowerment and will continue to offer spaces for individuals to grow, create, and collaborate.
K-12 Core & Supplementary Education Products
By providing creative curriculum options for schools, we ensure that art, STEM, and cultural education are prioritized from an early age. These products are designed to spark curiosity and deepen the creative potential of students, enabling them to explore new concepts, ideas, and technologies.
Arts & STEM Residencies in Schools
Culturelle Collective partners with educational institutions to offer residencies that merge arts and STEM, enhancing students’ learning experiences by integrating creative expression with scientific exploration. We are committed to expanding access to transformative educational opportunities that prepare youth for the future.
CLAE Program (Community Legacy Artist Endowment)
This program is designed to provide sustainable financial support to artists who are shaping cultural legacies. It offers exclusive financial endowments to visionary creatives whose work challenges, celebrates, and redefines cultural narratives.
Exclusive Masterclasses
Leading experts in various creative fields will offer exclusive industry insights to help elevate and edify out local art community and personal practices. These masterclasses focus on technical skill-building, industry navigation, and the deeper conceptual understanding needed to thrive in today’s creative economy.
Special Events & Activations
From gallery exhibitions to interactive performances, we host events that bring people together, spark new ideas, and celebrate artistic expression. These activations are spaces where collaboration happens organically, and where the community can witness firsthand the power of creativity.
Newsletters and Podcasts
Our newsletter and podcasts offer a platform for thought-provoking conversations, updates on cultural initiatives, and stories of impact from our community. These mediums serve as a bridge between artists and the wider public, making culture more accessible and engaging.
Ticketed Live & Virtual Masterclasses
Culturelle Collective continues to expand its reach through live and virtual masterclasses. These ticketed events offer a deeper dive into specific creative techniques, business strategies, and artistic practices that can accelerate an artist's journey.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Culture is not created in isolation; it is built through collaboration, collective ownership, and shared vision. Whether you are an artist, a donor, a community member, or an advocate for change, your participation is essential in making this vision a reality. Culturelle Collective invites you to be a part of this movement, where we create the future of art, culture, and community—together.
🔗 Get Involved | Donate | Collaborate
This document serves as a foundational framework for understanding the essence of Culturelle Collective. Its principles are our ideals and actionable values, embedded in every project, collaboration, and community engagement that we foster. Through these guiding principles, we hope to reshape the cultural landscape, one creative soul at a time.