Strategy that moves. Support that lasts.

Communitas Arts & Culture (CAC) is a strategy and action lab supporting cultural organizations, artist-led initiatives, and mission-aligned institutions to strengthen capacity, clarify direction, and move from vision to implementation.

Our services are designed for real-world conditions—tight timelines, limited bandwidth, and high stakes—without compromising equity, care, or rigor.

CAC is committed to transparent, values-aligned business practices. Because consulting pricing can be opaque across the field, we are upfront about how our fees are structured.

  • Our current base hourly rate is $300/hour for 2026.

  • Project fees are calculated using this base rate, based on the scope of work, timeline, and deliverables.

  • Depending on the engagement, proposals may also include additional fee structures where appropriate, including day rates, and reimbursable expenses such as travel, lodging, and per diems (always discussed in advance).

  • CAC retains the right to structure fees in ways that support pay equity across our team and collaborators.

We understand many organizations face real budget constraints. CAC will work with partners to address concerns to the extent possible through scope adjustments, phased work, or alternative pacing - while maintaining fair compensation and responsible delivery.

Our Approach

Support + Service Areas

Every engagement is shaped by the Communitas Framework—Collaboration, Action, Story, and Connection—so the work is people-centered, implementable, ethically grounded, and designed to last.

Most CAC engagements are scoped as:

  • Sprints & Intensives (2–6 weeks) for urgent clarity and near-term action

  • Project-based engagements (2–5 months) for deeper planning and implementation support

  • Ongoing advisory (6 months–1+ years - monthly/quarterly) for leadership support and accountability

* Capacity Building & Organizational Infrastructure

For organizations strengthening internal systems to reduce fragility, innovate, and increase sustainability.

  • Targeted leadership support (including Interim Executive Director or Fractional Executive services)

  • Reviewing operating models and workflow improvements

  • Team structure, roles, and resourcing plans

  • Governance support and board alignment

  • Internal toolkits, templates, and practical systems teams can actually use

* Research & Learning

For teams seeking rigorous qualitative insight that strengthens strategy, accountability, and community trust, with a focus on non-extractive research practices.

  • Qualitative research design using intersectional, decolonial, and equity-centered approaches

  • Listening sessions, interviews, and focus groups designed with care, consent, and cultural context

  • Thematic analysis and sensemaking briefs that translate lived experience into strategic learning

  • Participatory approaches (where appropriate) that share power in how questions are shaped, and findings are used

  • Learning agendas and reflection tools to support ongoing adaptation (not one-time reports)

  • Practical evaluation frameworks that center dignity, context, and usefulness over performative metrics

* Narrative Strategy & Messaging

For organizations ready to sharpen how they communicate purpose, impact, and urgency.

  • Narrative positioning and message architecture

  • Language guides and talking points

  • Communications toolkits for internal/external use

  • Ethical storytelling practices when community voice and lived experience are central

* Convenings & Facilitation

For moments that require trust, clarity, and shared decision-making.

  • Retreats, strategy sessions, and stakeholder alignment

  • Co-design workshops and listening sessions

  • Cross-partner convenings and coalition-building support

  • Meeting design, facilitation, and synthesis

* Strategy & Implementation Roadmaps

For partners who need clarity, alignment, and an actionable plan.

  • Planning with individual artists and small collectives/ensembles/organizations on producing and scaling work, organizations, and careers

  • Strategic planning sprints (30/60/90 + longer horizon)

  • Program and growth strategy

  • Decision-making frameworks and prioritization

  • Implementation plans, timelines, and accountability structures

* Philanthropic Strategy & Consulting

For foundations, public funders, intermediaries, and donor collaboratives seeking equity-centered cultural investment strategies.

  • Strategy support for arts and culture portfolios, initiatives, and special funds

  • Field and ecosystem scans to inform funding priorities and approaches

  • Participatory and trust-based grantmaking design support (including learning agendas)

  • Narrative and case-making support for public-facing funder positioning and alignment

  • Grantee experience and process improvement (applications, reporting, communications)

  • Evaluation and co-learning frameworks focused on practical insight (not extraction)

* Partnerships, Ecosystem Strategy & Field-Building

For leaders working beyond a single organization—building networks, collaborations, and shared infrastructure.

  • Ecosystem mapping and partnership segmentation

  • Collaboration models and partner pathways

  • Coalition strategy and shared planning

  • Field-building recommendations and alignment support

* Fundraising & Resource Development Strategy

For teams building durable revenue plans rooted in mission, narrative, and relationships.

  • Fundraising roadmaps and pipelines

  • Case for support and funder alignment strategy

  • Sponsorship and partnership strategy

  • Preparation for campaigns, special events, or growth phases

Rate + Fee Transparency