As an art and design organization that utilizes tools of culture and creativity to build community and social cohesion, we have a moral obligation and duty to ensure that we create and support systems that include, welcome, and embrace all people regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, or age. We recognize that structural inequities have historically excluded these individuals and communities from a myriad of opportunities. That is why we have made diversity, inclusion, and equity a primary focus of our work.
Our vision for equity is informed by ways we can view ourselves as collaborators and neighbors to facilitate a collective mindset that supports structures where…
- All people regardless of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, economic or social class, citizenship, age, religion, faith, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, veteran status, and any other identities represented amongst our community are able to fully participate in the performance, presentation, and enjoyment of the arts in Indianapolis.
- Funders, the City of Indianapolis, and the community collectively hold organizations and institutions — including ourselves — accountable.
- Efforts are made to gather the input of people of all backgrounds to better determine what the citizens of our city want from the arts and community organizations.
- Public spaces and places in our city are welcoming and accessible (physically and programmatically) for everyone. This means making places people can access physically (remove barriers, gates, fences and make it safe and easy to access by foot, bike, and public transit) and financially by removing cost burdens that exclude some people.
To help fulfill our vision, this statement will be utilized as a framing tool to help us anticipate equity gaps in our projects, processes, and systems to guide our work towards an equitable future.