From the Ground Up
A Research and Development Center for New Art
From the Ground UP (FTGU) fosters the creation of new art. We seek to expand, reimagine and invent new ways of making, producing and presenting art. Founded and led by artist Katherine Murphy Lewis, FTGU is the only regional arts organization exclusively led by and serving women/femme-identified artists, ages 14-79. We elevate sidelined voices, invoke important community dialogue and support the creation and presentation of stories often overlooked. By bringing these stories forward we can create spaces that empower artists, invite the unusual, challenge norms and forge new pathways to uplift communities.
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.
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
HOW We Do It
One of our greatest strengths is our leadership, staff and board, who bring shared personal history, as women/femme-identified artists navigating the world of art and performance, while facing and overcoming barriers to success. Our experiences allow us to create and evolve curriculum addressing the needs and challenges of our residents. We are skilled at creating a level of personal and artistic safety so that artists can create work that is vulnerable and authentic. This type of environment is mostly inaccessible in more traditional programs.
Additionally, we work across generations and our residents are able to share and receive insights for cohort members that are in different periods of their life. Our community is in GREAT need of these voices and these artistic expressions. We offer residents maximum flexibility to make the program work for their unique circumstances. From autistic and neurodivergent artists, to new mothers, students, artists with chronic pain, retired women on fixed incomes, and those with limited funds due to underemployment, we ask, how can we ensure the success of each resident?
To be of value to our residents, we MUST act in response to them rather than impose unnecessary parameters not in line with their current needs and opportunities. This is the true meaning of accessibility. Essential to this work is our radical, no-questions asked NO BARRIER to participation policy. In 2025, 92% of residents will receive full or partial need-based subsidies totally over $45,000.00.
With each new artist experience, we ask ourselves, “what can we learn from this artist and this production to elevate our work?”
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
WHY We Do It
FTGU is a multi-functional organization centering the philosophical goal of an individual for the purpose of community evolution. We are supporting the creation of a dynamic and creative community of women and femme creators (including non-binary community members) all working towards the goal of telling their own story, their way.
The outcomes are numerous::
Professional relationships and long-term friendships continue after completing residency.
Alumni have reported creative collaborations, employment, and creative opportunities as a result of their time in residence.
Artists identify and achieve career goals.
Artists identify their values and relate them to their work in meaningful ways.
Artists develop concrete skills, such as financial and time management, problem solving, and other critical career skills carried forward into their professional lives.
Artists hold themselves accountable to achieve their vision for their story.
Artists gain courage and strength from sharing their story.
The community has access to the truth from personal stories created and told by those with lived experience.
“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