The Oscars awards ceremony airs live today, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. In recent years, the Oscars have drawn criticism for how nominations embody the failure to celebrate and uplift BIPOC creators’ work in Hollywood. Visit the Academy’s website to learn more about this year’s nominations and emphasize the values of equity and voice when talking about the show.
Tag: cultural strategies
South by Southwest (SXSW)
This year, the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) conference and festival runs from March 8 – 16. Founded in 1987, SXSW has become one of the go-to annual events for people working at the intersection of cultural strategies, civic engagement, music, and film. Visit the festival website to learn more about this year’s programming and registration information.
International Women’s Day
Today is International Women’s Day. Use this event to discuss the importance of intersectionality and the need for both equity and inclusivity to guide collective action towards gender justice. Cite the values of voice, equity, and economic opportunity.
Film Independent Spirit Awards
The Film Independent Spirit Awards will air on Saturday, March 4 at 5:00 pm ET on Film Independent’s YouTube channel. The annual celebration uplifts the best independent film and television programming of the year. Visit Film Independent’s website to see the full list of nominees and find more information on how to watch this year’s show.
Women’s History Month
Women have long led the struggle for equal rights across movements — from voting to LGBTQ+ equality. And yet, women continue to bear unequal burdens, with women of color being hit particularly hard by economic, public health, and other inequities. As you celebrate Women’s History Month, emphasize the vital role that women have played in the struggle for racial justice, economic opportunity, and inclusive democracy. Cite the values of equity and voice.
Met Gala
The Met Gala, or Met Ball, is an annual event bringing together celebrities, influencers, politicians, and other high-profile individuals to celebrate the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. Organized by Vogue around a particular theme, the event has become a platform for personalities to showcase innovative fashion and, at times, to make political statements. The gala – which is mostly accessible only to the wealthy – has also drawn much criticism, and protests are often held across the street. Use the event to talk about economic justice, sustainability and climate change, and social responsibility. Cite the values of opportunity and equity.
Star Wars Day
Star Wars Day celebrates the Star Wars media franchise created by writer and director George Lucas. Starting with the iconic Skywalker film series and expanding to TV, books, comics, and even fan fiction, the world of Star Wars has grown to address various themes including family, caregiving, labor rights, activism, rebellion, criminal justice, and more. Use today to lift up your campaigns. Cite the values of economic opportunity, voice, equity, and community.
Red Nose Day
Today is Red Nose Day which, through engagement with celebrities, raises awareness and funds to help children in need. Use this opportunity to discuss the power of working with cultural influencers and uplift the values of economic opportunity and community.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is an important time to discuss economic and racial justice for families. Past campaigns include creative interventions to share more inclusive “Mama’s Day” cards, release mothers from jail while advocating for an end to money bail, or oppose the separation and detention of families arriving at our borders. Celebrate the values of equity, economic opportunity, and community.
Keith Haring
Today is the birthday of artist Keith Haring, who was a pioneer in pop and street art on LGBTQ issues. Use his birthday to talk about the importance of artists in the struggle for intersectional social justice. Cite the values of voice, equity, and community.
