I first certification our commitment to paying artists fair wages at The Art Gym at Marylhurst University in 2017 using the standards of W.A.G.E. (Working Artists and the Greater Economy) . The Art Gym was the first organization in Oregon to certify. Later I brought W.A.G.E. to Oregon Contemporary as the 50th organization in the country to certify. I advocate for all organizations to pay artists at W.A.G.E. levels or higher, to acknowledge the cultural contribution and work towards living wages for artists.
I’ve worked to advocate for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ folks throughout my career. After joining Oregon Contemporary, I worked behind the scenes to shift DEI practices, particularly around the Portland2019 Biennial which became the most representative Biennial in the organization’s history including 3/4 women, 2/3 makers of color, and 1/3 Indigenous artists. Ox is now 50% BIPOC in all programs since 2019 with a program fund focused on supporting partner events for communities of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and People with Disabilities.
In all organizations, I have increased the resources for artists, curators, and other cultural producers, including:
Increased honorariums
New or increased art production funding
Support labor for art production
Photography and video documentation
Publications
Installation labor and management
Website, social media, and print marketing
And more