2026 National Events

Creative Labor, Creative Conditions

A National Campaign to Shift the Valuation of the Arts

Creative Labor, Creative Conditions is a national campaign bringing together coordinated activations across the U.S. to center artists in a national conversation about the future of artistic labor.

Because when artists thrive, we all thrive.

Join the Doris Duke Foundation and our partners as we celebrate artists throughout the months of May-September. 

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New York, NY | May 1

May Day Cornerstone Activations

Citywide public activations celebrating labor, art, and community

Funded in part by Arison Arts Foundation

Honolulu, HI | June 19

Wehiwehi and Shangri La Activation at Bishop Museum 

Artist showcase and panel discussion

More information about this event to be posted with our partner organization.

Bay Area, CA | June 16 + September 8

SOZO and Western Arts Alliance

A two-part activation reframing artists as drivers of cultural and economic value

Funded in part by Gerbode Foundation, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

More information about this event to be posted with our partner organization.

Boston, MA | June 27

The Theater Offensive

Liberation and the role of art in social change

More information about this event to be posted with our partner organization.

Bay Area, CA | July 30

Center for Cultural Innovation

Artists and creatives building conditions for economic and creative flourishing

More information about this event to be posted with our partner organization.

Minneapolis, MN | Multi-Year Initiative

Pangea World Theater

Building artist coalition on Lake Street

More information about this event to be posted with our partner organization.

Newport, RI | July 30 – August 1

Newport Jazz Festival

Live festival activation featuring artist labor conversation

More information about this event to be posted with our partner organization.

New Orleans, LA | September 5

National Performance Network

Intimate, artist-only gathering focused on sustainability, centering Southern artists

More information about this event to be posted with our partner organization.

Boston, MA | September 17-19

Company One Theater

Conversations on creative labor within democratic participation, policymaking, and civic systems

Funded in part by Mellon Foundation

More information about this event to be posted with our partner organization.

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From May Day to Labor Day

Creative Labor, Creative Conditions is a national campaign bringing together coordinated activations across the U.S. to center artists in a national conversation about the future of artistic labor.

Because when artists thrive, we all thrive.