Progress

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are foundational values that guide the development of Arizona Arts. We are working together to continue fostering inclusive curricula, public programming, and workplace cultures that recognize and value diversity as a cornerstone of the arts, creativity, and innovation. This is not the effort of one office or individual, but rather a collective endeavor to manifest inclusive excellence.

In 2022, we began developing Arizona Arts’ first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Roadmap, a multi-phase process aimed at further aligning our values with visible actions, our statements with concrete outcomes, our ideals with equitable impacts. Progress toward creation of the EDI Roadmap is reported here.

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Roadmap

The EDI Roadmap is a comprehensive, strategic, and practical plan for how Arizona Arts will advance equity, diversity, and inclusion. The roadmap is the result of a collaborative process. All units in Arizona Arts are involved at each step along the journey, from introspection and information-gathering to analyzing and evaluating existing efforts to defining new goals and outcomes for the future. 

The AVP for Equity in the Arts provides leadership and coordination for all roadmap-related activities and ensures progress reports are transparently communicated to stakeholders and members of the Arizona Arts community. 

Reflective Inventory

A reflective inventory is one of several tools used in Phase 1. It assists groups and organizations in cataloging existing programs, goals, and activities. It helps foster critical conversations about equity, diversity, and inclusion. Staff and faculty in each unit are invited to participate in completing the Arizona Arts reflective inventory. 

Data Dialogues

Data Dialogues is an opportunity for staff and faculty to view and discuss recent demographic snapshots that show the social diversity within the College of Fine Arts student body and Arizona Arts workforce. Each dialogue session offers an interactive introduction to a different data set. By looking at race/ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic indicators, attendees will discuss how data can help us understand who we are, how people find belonging and success, and how better to serve our core mission of educating students and benefiting the public.

Facilitated by Dr. Matt Williams, assistant professor in the School of Music, Data Dialogues is a professional learning opportunity for Arizona Arts employees. The series is part of the collaborative EDI Roadmap planning process. Sessions are offered online. Space is limited, so secure your spot today.

Upcoming Dates

Friday, October 7 | 9:30 – 10:45 AM MST
Part I: What’s race got to do with it? An Arizona Arts conversation on race/ethnicity demographics

Friday, October 21 | 9:30 – 10:45 AM MST
Part II: Let’s talk about sex! An Arizona Arts conversation on sex/gender demographics

Friday, October 28 | 9:30 – 10:45 AM MST
Part III: All walks of life: An Arizona Arts conversation on socioeconomic demographics

Inclusive Climate Survey

Demographic snapshots show the make-up of a population, but they don’t tell us whether people feel safe, valued, and supported, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or ability. A climate survey measures students, faculty, and staff’s perceptions of the overall environment for diversity. Arizona Arts will conduct an inclusive climate survey in spring 2023. Developed with input from D&I Committee members, the survey will help us understand attitudes, practices, and systems that facilitate or impede equity and inclusion, and ultimately impact recruitment, retention, and success.

Focus Group

As a complement to the climate assessment, we will conduct focus groups with students, alumni, faculty, and staff within Arizona Arts. These small-group conversations, which will take place in fall 2022, provide in-depth context to better understand the experiences of different populations and opportunities to improve the environment for diversity.