Independent Arts & Media

Independent Arts & Media (IAM) believes that diverse voices and free expression are a

cultural necessity. Through a combination of personalized attention, professional expertise, and an active network, the organization provides fiscal sponsorship services to support Affiliate Projects. For over 20 years, and for nearly 400 organizations and projects, IAM has been a partner in bringing powerful works to our community.

Featured to the right are IAM staff (L to R) Operations Manager Miguel Morales, Affiliate Services Coordinator Traka Lopez-White, Social Media Manager Gaby Herrera-Stern and Executive Director Lisa Burger.

This month we go deeper with IAM’s Traka Lopez-White about their role and IAM’s work in the Bay Area arts community.

What inspired you to join IAM?

It’s truly an honor to serve as the Affiliate Services Coordinator at IAM. What drew me to this role was the chance to connect directly with the community and support the arts in a hands-on way. I’ve always loved being a connector—someone who brings people together and helps build bridges between artists, organizations, and the wider public. Working with such a broad network of creative individuals energizes me, especially because every new partnership/ Affiliates are opportunities to strengthen the resources available to artists and community. My passion has always been to preserve art and culture, and IAM gives me a way to channel that passion into real action.

What are you seeing as the biggest topic of conversation, or biggest need, in the local arts community?

Right now, one of the most urgent concerns in our society is supporting and protecting those who are being targeted, suppressed, or erased because of their identity. There’s a real need for advocacy and safe spaces for artists from marginalized backgrounds—spaces where diversity is uplifted, their voices heard, and their contributions recognized/ preserved (historical- truths). We need to go beyond just "conversation/ performances" toward equity, representation, and the need to resist cultural erasure; I'm about that action. 

People want to see meaningful action, not just words, parades/protests, when it comes to defending the rights and visibility of vulnerable communities.

What does IAM do exceptionally well that makes your organization unique?

IAM stands out because it’s made up of a collective of people who are truly passionate about serving others. There’s a genuine focus on people—on listening, collaborating, and responding to what our community actually needs. As our team grows and our services expand, we’re uniquely able to adapt and innovate in ways that put artists/ art orgs first. It’s that people-first approach, combined with a strong commitment to equity and access, that sets us apart. We’re not just supporting the arts; we’re actively building a more inclusive, resilient arts ecosystem!

For more information about Independent Arts & Media, visit www.artsandmedia.net and follow them on Instagram @indieartssf.