Creative Labor, Creative Conditions

Dear Colleague:

The DC Jazz Festival, in collaboration with Doris Duke Foundation and Arena Stage, invite you to attend,Creative Labor, Creative Conditions: A National Convening on Artistic Labor and Advocacy, taking place on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.

This one-day convening of artists, cultural workers, policy experts, and advocates will mark the culmination of a national campaign from May Day to Labor Day dedicated to elevating the visibility, dignity, and sustainability of creative labor across the arts. You can learn more about the campaign, its vision, and the Doris Duke Foundation’s initial investment by clicking here.

At a time of shifting policy and social urgency, it is more important than ever to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of artistic labor and policy within the creative sector.  We believe you would bring essential insight to these timely and necessary conversations as we look towards a more equitable and prosperous future within the creative ecosystem.

Creative Labor, Creative Conditions will begin promptly at 8:30 AM with a welcome coffee and conclude at 6:30 PM with a networking reception. As we prepare for this one-day convening, we want to ensure that every detail supports a meaningful and inclusive experience for all participants.

Click here to view the agenda.

Click here to view the speaker biographies.

Registration is now closed. Contact hannah@dcjazzfest.org for more information on the conference.