In this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Karla and Ashraf discuss their perspectives on navigating work and life. Ashraf shares his interview with Nikki Kirk, a cultural equity practitioner who focuses her work on reframing the role of philanthropy in the cultural sector. Karla and Ashraf break down the throughlines of Nikki’s work through the use of linguistics, community-driven funding, and ‘radical’ approaches to systems change.
In this episode you’ll learn:
About the role of language in framing the purpose of philanthropy;
How communities can drive funding priorities towards goals of equity; and
The ways change can be radical and productive within larger systems.
Some things from the episode:
Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship
Why Change? Why Poetry?: Poetry Is The Language Of The People
Making It A Movement, Not A Moment, an analysis of funder perspectives
About Nikki Kirk
Nikki Kirk (she/her) is a cultural equity practitioner who is dedicated to advocating for systemically excluded and institutionally oppressed populations. She has worked across the country centering on youth and leadership development, and supporting local, regional, and national communities. Through her work with organizations like Americans for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, and El Sistema USA, she has supported individual and organizational growth. Nikki has diverse experience as a grant manager, facilitator, curriculum developer, program coordinator, project manager, mentor, and advisor. She currently serves as the Director of Community Impact & Investment with the Indy Arts Council, as well as a Project Consultant for the Aspen Institute’s Artist Endowed Foundations Initiative.
Nikki earned a Master’s degree in Arts, Festival, and Cultural Management from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she researched the impact of programming at the intersection of arts and social justice. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Linguistics from Pitzer College in southern California, where she affirmed her interests in and the significance of language and identity, human rights, and cross-cultural understanding.
This episode was produced by Ashraf Hasham. The artwork is by Bridget Woodbury. The audio is edited by Katie Rainey. This podcasts’ theme music is by Distant Cousins. For more information on this episode, episode transcripts, and Creative Generation please visit the episode’s web page and follow us on social media @Campaign4GenC.