More on Equity and Arts For Life

Guiding Beliefs

We believe diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism are inextricably connected to our mission, and every facet of our work.

We believe we have a part in the work of dismantling white supremacy culture in order to create a better world for all people.

We believe diversity includes the visible and invisible qualities that make people, and their perspectives, unique.

We believe the arts empower people to use their voices and stand up for what they believe in, and the tools of expression and creation we share with children will not just create art and music, but also change.

We believe we have much to learn, and we are committed to listening and acting.

Equity Commitment

This Equity Commitment details our efforts to create conditions that allow every current and future participant, staff member, board member, volunteer, and intern to participate fully and thrive. This is a living document we commit to updating as we encounter information new to us.

While our actions to create a more equitable and just Arts For Life include additions of new information and initiatives, they also include dismantling and removing barriers to equity. We strive to identify opportunities to advance equity and eradicate harmful practices within Arts For Life and open ourselves up to accountability and feedback from our community. Contact the Arts For Life Executive Director at katharine@artsforlifenc.org

Last updated February 2024.

Programming Development & Execution

• We follow curriculum guidelines that promote cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and diverse representation. We also analyze and regularly update our curriculum based on best practices for avoiding and eliminating cultural appropriation, historically euro-centric educational models, and the centering of whiteness.
• We regularly update and add to our supports to include a history of each form of art, music, and writing from a global perspective. We are identifying and uplifting modern practitioners who represent a diversity of identities in regards to race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, disability, and diagnosis.
• We provide accessibility aids for various arts supplies and seek to add new aids/adaptations as new needs are recognized.
• We offer free lessons, educational and creative content, and art materials to all of our hospital-based participants, as well as remote participants as we are able.

Organizational Processes & Policies

• The opportunity to share personal pronouns is extended to all staff, board members, volunteers, and interns on intake/onboarding forms and on name tags. Staff also include their pronouns in their email signatures and on their business cards.
• An annual audit will occur evaluating our organizational processes, policies, and programming to identify gaps and opportunities to strengthen our commitment to equity through action.
• A comprehensive anti-harassment policy applies to all staff, board members, volunteers, and interns.
• All staff, board members, volunteers, and interns will have access to resources for continuing education and support for advancing equity. Staff have the opportunity to engage with these resources during their regular work hours on paid time.
• All staff members attend equity meetings, are involved in equity-centering work and are encouraged to bring equity questions/concerns to the team and organizational leadership.
• We have developed training for volunteers and interns focused on equity and accessibility in arts education in the healthcare setting.