Issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI&A) have long been important to arts organizations. The events of 2020 made the need for progress even more intense. We polled arts execs on their goals, focus areas, and challenges surrounding DEI&A.
Highlights from the survey include:
Nearly all arts organizations assert the high importance of making progress in DEI&A, but many have yet to set public goals or attach hard metrics.
All elements of DEI&A are critical for arts organizations including community engagement, staffing, representation in their art, and more.
Current DEI&A efforts are dominated by a focus on race/ethnicity, but many have plans to expand their focus in the future to encompass other elements.
Arts leaders' top challenge is being seen as authentic while pursuing progress.
