OUR MISSION
Where Untold Stories Come Alive
From the Ground UP : A Research and Development Center for New Art is a Portland OR, based non-profit that fosters the creation of new art. We seek to expand, reimagine and invent new ways of making, producing and presenting art.
We center women artists (including our trans and nonbinary communities) with the aim of offering opportunity to those who need it most. By focusing on marginalized populations we elevate sidelined voices, invoke important community dialogues and support the creation and presenting of stories that are often overlooked. Knowing that by bringing these stories to the forefront we can create spaces that empower artists, invite the unusual, challenge norms and forge new pathways that uplift individuals and communities both here and beyond.
the why
Because economics should not be a barrier to art making and engagement.
Because we believe that to fully support artists-- we must engage in advocacy.
Because we believe that arts are essential to the health of our community.
Because we know that artists capture and tell the history of a time.
Because we know that resilience is created in community and that rising tides raises all boats.
Because we must meet the moment by coming together, sharing our resources and extend our knowledge and access in to the communities/artists and individuals that need it most.
Because we must not leave individual artists, small organizations and the stories of underrepresented communities behind.
An electric shock to the creative system, shaking away years of writer's block and self doubt to
reveal a vulnerable, honest, and phenomenal work of art. There is a sense of depth and love to every
session.
Alumni 2024
the HOW
What makes FTGU singular is not simply who it serves, but how. Lewis developed her deinstitutionalized creative model and core curriculum around the artist in a responsive, non-linear, and holistic fashion. Her process-oriented approach meets each creator where they are, adapting to neurodivergent artists, domestic violence survivors, working parents, retirees, and emerging and established professionals within the same multigenerational cohort with equal depth, rigor, and care. The work that emerges is “real and raw yet polished and top-tier” (All About Solo, NYC), placing “distinctive voices center stage” (Willamette Week).
FTGU’s integrated pipeline — from residency to its Liminal Series to touring production — has proven its power on a national stage. Resident artist Andrea Parson won the Best Physical Theater award at the Fall United Solo Festival 2024 in New York City for You Can’t Be Serious, a four-year collaboration developed entirely under Lewis’s direction through FTGU’s programs. It is one of more than 75 new works the organization has incubated and presented, reaching over 10,000 audience members.
Learning about the experiences of others to help grow and shape our own world view into something
more inclusive and expansive is an incredible gift. Our stories are more than just important, they are
necessary.
Alumni 2019
WHAT We Offer
Incubation: We provide the support and resources to develop authentic voices and create new art. Offering a creative process that centers flexible learning, we have created a core curriculum that is in response to each unique individual. Our participants thrive, creating new art that develops deeper understanding, dialog and the awareness necessary for transformative change.
Incubation includes: workshops, studio time, production support, promotional materials, and mentorship, new work commissions, and our flagship Artist Residency Program.
Presentation: Through live productions as part of our Liminal Series, art exhibits, community events, and annual New Works Festival - the culmination of our residency work, we have produced over 60 new works of art and reached upwards of 10,000 audience members. Our goal is to advance collaboration and engagement so we partner to create engagements and opportunities inside diverse spaces and communities across Portland.
Resource & Research Center: We extend resources through mentorship, professional support, collaborative fundraising, and partnerships with over 25 stakeholders, including arts organizations, foundations, arts donors and businesses around the region. Research, our newest effort, will examine the impact of our programming and discover new possibilities for live art by looking at why and how engagement with authentic storytelling enriches us.
“From the Ground UP is one of the key organizations spearheading the next evolution of a dynamic and vibrant arts
and culture sector here in Portland and across the state of Oregon.
-Partner 2023-Present