Recently (Doomed to Fail), I wrote about the essential increase in conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. I discussed the important role that commitment to community engagement can play in providing a foundation for an arts organization's work. More importantly, a succinct statement and commitment to equity and inclusion is essential for at least two reasons. Internally, it provides a common understanding for all stakeholders … [Read more...]
Doomed to Fail
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are–rightly and way too belatedly–important topics in the nonprofit arts world right now. I heartily applaud the focus. However . . . I worry about the way the topics are being approached. If an arts organization attempts to incorporate DEI awareness and efforts without a deep, mission-level commitment to being of the community; to forming mutually beneficial, lasting relationships with new communities; to … [Read more...]
Cultural Equity
On May 23 Americans for the Arts released its new Statement on Cultural Equity. Before going any further, let me acknowledge that I'm a white guy of a certain age and have no expertise to comment on it. Nevertheless, I'm vitally interested in this. My interest is based on 1) a deep personal conviction about the issue and 2) an awareness that without embracing substantive steps toward equity and making real changes as a result the nonprofit arts … [Read more...]