Welcome! This program exists for members of the Oregon Culture Keepers Roster and their peers to receive support, build bridges, and share hard skills related to maintaining a traditional arts practice.
Below find upcoming and past workshops. Recorded workshops will have a recording watch link posted next to their workshop titles 24 hours after the live event.
Contact OFN staff if you have any questions or concerns by emailing ofn@uoregon.edu or by calling our office at (541) 346-3820.
 | The National Folk Organization: How Can Their Resources Help You?Tuesday, October 13, 11:30am – 1:00pm Register for this ZOOM Workshop Here Learn about the resources available through the National Folk Organization, whose mission is to provide resources, networking, programming, and education in order to encourage respect for cultural traditions. NFO members have access to Liability Insurance, grant opportunities, and attendance at an annual conference, which next year is hosted in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Featuring: Stacy Rose (Foodways, Israeli Folk Dance Instruction), Board Member of the National Folk Organization. |
 | What Makes a Culture Bearer?Tuesday, October 27, 11:30am - 1:00pm Pacific Register for this ZOOM Workshop Here How does the Oregon Folklife Network define a culture bearer? The goal of this workshop will be to: a) Discuss the language OFN uses to talk about folk and traditional arts, and b) Empower members of the Oregon Culture Keepers Roster to confidently recommend others in their community to join the roster. Hosted by Oregon Folklife Network Staff. |
 | Finding Grant Opportunities in OregonTuesday, November 10, 11:30am – 1:00pm Pacific Register for this ZOOM Workshop Here Learn about what grant opportunities you can find at the local/city level and state level in Oregon. We will discuss topics such as: How do I know if a grant opportunity is a good fit? How likely is it that I will actually receive grant dollars that I apply to? What strategies should I use when applying for grant funding? Come with your questions, and with your advice! Hosted by Oregon Folklife Network Staff. |
 | How to Create a 501c3 Nonprofit OrganizationThursday, November 19, 6:00-7:30pm Pacific Register for this ZOOM Workshop Here Learn about the process of creating and operating your own 501c3 nonprofit organization. Wambui Machua will discuss her experience launching and maintaining the mission of the Gachie Development Center in Nairobi, Kenya. Learn about how she identified a need in her community, created a mission statement, coordinated the logistics of launching a 501c3, and how she continues to leverage her status as a 501c3 to find funding for the GDC’s projects/programs. Featuring: Wambui Machua (Kenyan Foodways), Founder and CEO of the Gachie Development Center. |
 | Learn More about OFN's ProgramsTuesday, December 1, 11:30am – 1:00pm Pacific Register for this ZOOM Workshop Here There are many ways to get involved with OFN’s programming. Do you want to apply for an apprenticeship award? Do you want to attend an in-person Gathering? Do you want to take on a leadership role and join the Culture Bearers Advisory Board? Do you want to connect with libraries and be hired for programming? In addition to discussing programming, OFN will provide an update on our strategic plan and take recommendations and feedback on what our programming efforts should be focused moving forward. Hosted by Oregon Folklife Network Staff. |
 | Legislative Arts AdvocacyThursday, December 10, 6:00-7:30pm Pacific Register for this ZOOM Workshop Here Learn about the process of advocating for arts and culture issues at the state level, through the legislative process. Eddie Melendrez will share his experience as a community arts advocate and provide education around how you can become better involved as a civic leader. Featuring: Eddie Melendrez (Chicano Painting), Community Organizer with the Oregon Food Bank. |
 | Introducing the Oregon Traditional Artists Professional Development Institute(No ZOOM Recording Link Available) This workshop was held on Monday, June 1, 2026. Oregon Folklife Network staff and fellow peer culture bearers kicked off programming for this year. This was a casual meeting for introductions, setting expectations, proposing group goals, and answering questions. |
 | How to Set and Negotiate Rates for HireAccess Dr. Kenya Márquez's Powerpoint slides here This workshop was recorded on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Learn more about how to articulate the value of your time and advocate for appropriate compensation. Presenters discussed real-life examples. We also reviewed updates to the "fees" section of the Oregon Culture Keepers Roster bio pages. Co-Presenters: Dr. Ali Esteghlalian (Persian Foodways and Practices | Cultural Analyst & Educator) and Dr. Kenya Márquez (Mexican Folklore Dance) |
 | Documentary Premiere: 2025 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program ProjectsThis workshop was recorded on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Watch mini documentary videos summarizing the 2025 Apprenticeship projects and hear live reviews from apprenticeship teams. Featuring: Steve Harris and Caitriona Harris (Vaquero Leatherwork), Sweta Ravisankar and Arshia Rajeshnarayanan (Nattuvangam), Feryal Abasi-Ghnaim and Jenan Bisharat (Palestinian Embroidery), Hossein Salehi and Benhamin Malihi (Persian Santoor). |