Who we are
Our Artistic Principals all have incredible track records of using their art to uplift their communities, and they’ve all worked to support and mentor emerging artists in their practices.
We also have an incredible Board Members who are committed to building an equitable and effective Board of Directors and a Founding Director with deep experience with arts equity programming and building sustainable nonprofits.
Crystal Akins Meneses - Artistic Principal
Crystal is a singer, musician, visual artist, arts activist and Fields Artist Fellow who’s now the Fields Fellowship Coordinator. See activateartsnow.com/media for some of her projects.
Joaquin Lopez - Artistic Principal
Joaquin is a performing artist, counselor and Creative Laureate of Portland whose work is grounded in personal transformation and Latino Queer identity. See joaquinlopezmusic.com for more.
Mic Crenshaw - Artistic Principal
Mic’s a Hip Hop artist, antifascist activist and Fields Fellow who’s mentored hundreds of youth. See miccrenshaw.com for more.
Shona Carter - Board Chair
Shona is Director of Partner Engagement and Investment for the Black Future Co-Op Fund, a Board Member of Philanthropy Northwest and a writer and performer. Click here for more.
Robyn Steely - Board Member
Robyn is a consultant to nonprofits, unions and community-focused people around the world, providing relationship-based training, facilitation, and support for those who are working to put missions into action. See robynsteely.com for more.
Ben Moorad - Artistic Principal and Director
Ben’s a writer, performer and MacDowell Fellow. He Co-Founded Write Around Portland, a community arts nonprofit in its 24th year, and Pass the Mic, a free music ed program for immigrant youth in its 5th year. He’s also the Co-Producer of We Are the Ones Who Live Here, a storytelling podcast based in Beirut, Lebanon, that is now working on its 2nd season.