Previous Topics Keynotes & Panels

• The Threat of an Inclusive American Theatre — Theatre Bay Area Conference

  A powerful keynote confronting systemic inequities in American theatre and challenging the field to embrace inclusion as a path to survival and growth.

• Why Not Today? — Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Ashland Armory

  A call to action rooted in Dr. King’s legacy, urging communities to move from intention to immediate action in dismantling systemic barriers.

• A Path for Future Leaders — Opera America’s Backstage Brunch: Empowering Women in Opera

  Reflections on mentorship, resilience, and the responsibility of paving the way for women and leaders of color in the arts.

• California Art and Culture Summit Opening Keynote 

  An invitation to envision how the arts can influence statewide cultural policy and shape equitable futures.

• Building an Equitable Arts Infrastructure — Symposium at UT Austin (Feb 2025)

  A conversation on restructuring arts institutions to center equity, sustainability, and long-term systemic change.

• imagining Shakespeare in 2050: Dialogue 3 Future Intersections of the Archives and the Stage, Part 1 — Panel with Ayanna Thompson, Greg Doran, and Michael Witmore (Mar 2025)

  Exploring the dialogue between archives, performance, and the politics of memory in shaping the cultural record

• The Future of American Theater: A Conversation with Nataki Garrett — DoubleXposure Podcast

  A wide-ranging conversation about leadership during crisis, the challenges of pandemic closures, equity, and innovation in live theatre. 

• Nataki Garrett – Art Works Podcast (NEA) — National Endowment for the Arts

  Nataki reflects on stepping into the OSF leadership role, the early days of the pandemic, and her commitment to making theatre more equitable and accessible. 

• Consider This: Stories, Dreams, and Creative Work with Nataki Garrett and Jelly Helm — Oregon Humanities, Portland (June 2022)

  A conversation about the role of storytelling, culture, and creative yearning — exploring how stories shape perception in theater and branding alike.

Sample New Topics

• The Artist as Strategist: How Creative Practice Transforms Corporate, Government, and Financial Systems

• Beyond the Bottom Line: Sustainability and Values Alignment Through an Artistic Lens

• Systems Change at Scale: Applying Arts-Based Thinking to Complex Organizational Challenges

• Thriving in Leadership: What Executives Can Learn from Artists About Adaptability and Innovation

• The Power of Story: How Narrative Shapes Policy, Finance, and Organizational Futures

• From Stage to Strategy: Building Cultures of Care and Creativity in Every Sector

• The Future Is Creative: Why Artists Belong in Boardrooms, City Halls, and Financial Institutions