We believe that art holds the power to challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and inspire new ways of thinking and being. Through our work, we have developed programs that empower artists and cultural workers whose projects catalyze meaningful change, contributing to a more equitable and socially just cultural landscape.

Over the past five years, we have witnessed incredible growth and transformation, fueled by our collective impact and the unwavering dedication of a diverse network of artists, cultural workers, and supporters. Our internal “Chrysalis” work and deep community listening during the pandemic has led us to identify the following programs and core strategies moving forward:

Fiscal Sponsorship: Our fiscal sponsorship initiative, NAVEL Sponsored Projects, leverages our 501(c)3 infrastructure to support emerging projects and organizations. This program enables participants to access critical funding opportunities, receive tax-deductible donations, and benefit from our administrative guidance.

Community Space Access: Recognizing that a safe and inclusive physical space is a crucial resource, our Keyholders program offers use of our facilities for free. Keyholder benefits are offered to fiscally sponsored projects, as well as invited aligned groups from our network, granting them autonomous access to our space, as well as equipment and resources for their work.

Cultural Work Amplification: NAVEL prioritizes amplifying local cultural work by QT/BIPOC artists and cultural workers to increase visibility and foster connections within the broader Los Angeles landscape. We also create opportunities for co-learning and skill-sharing, acknowledging the value of diverse perspectives and knowledge.

Publications and Accessibility: As part of our commitment to expanding the reach of our work and to making our models and practices more accessible, we are working to publish and share our experiences and learnings within the arts and culture field, as well as archiving and sharing work produced by members of our network.