In light of recently passed and proposed laws across the United States aimed at prohibiting local governments from enacting anti-discrimination measures, Americans for the Arts affirms the following: 

 

Everyone deserves equal access to a full, vibrant creative life, which is essential to a healthy and democratic society. Americans for the Arts is steadfastly committed to advancing policies and practices to ensure that all people are represented—including but not limited to those who have been historically underrepresented based on race/ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion. Despite increased awareness and visibility about the need for inclusion and diversity, we must do more as a society to champion policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable world. Our future success as a nation depends on it. 

 

Americans for the Arts has a strong and ongoing commitment to diversity in all its forms, internally and throughout the arts and arts education fields and the communities our members serve. More information on Americans for the Arts’ diversity statement can be found here.