October 11, 2020—Scores of arts and cultural institutions this year have been reaffirming their commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDI&A) initiatives, and I have been documenting the planning, strategies and action steps being proposed. One of the major constraints consistently mentioned is the lack of financial resources to fund their proposed efforts. However, some institutions are taking bold steps; they are looking internally … Continue reading Looking Within to Fund EDI&A Initiatives

 I was excited and thrilled to recently read in the Washington Post about the Ford Foundation’s announcement that it has partnered with several foundations and major donors to make available millions of dollars in unrestricted national and regional grants to arts organizations in the communities of People of Color (PoC)! The grants are part of a still-expanding campaign called “America’s Cultural Treasures,” which was initiated … Continue reading America’s Cultural Treasures: POC Arts Organizations to Receive Grants

This past Monday, I was among the thousands of people nationwide who participated in the virtual watch party and interactive, online panel discussion about Good Trouble, the documentary that showcases the phenomenal history and life’s work of the late U.S. Representative John Lewis. Directed by Dawn Porter, the documentary is both riveting and humanistic. As I watched the film, I fell in love with John … Continue reading Virtual Screening and Panel Draws Thousands to Honor the Life and Work of Rep. John Lewis

Now, more than ever, as we experience the impact of shrinking federal resources for BIPOC communities, it is imperative that we encourage and push, if we have to, every member of our community to participate in the 2020 Census by filling out the form. I believe participation in the 2020 Census is as important and as urgent as voting on November 3, 2020. In April, … Continue reading The 2020 Census: Don’t Let Time Run Out!

I am a longtime admirer and supporter of the advocacy work of New York’s Dr. Marta Moreno Vega. Her pioneering work at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) has given voice to the vast and diverse art and culture of the African Diaspora in a unique and important way. Dr. Moreno Vega’s work and her books continue to advocate for cultural equity and … Continue reading The Creative Justice Initiative: Take the Survey by August 31st

I first met Stacy Waring, the recently appointed Executive Director of Operations at The Lark, while consulting with the world-famous Apollo Theater. I consistently was impressed with her commitment to her work as the Director of Theater Operations, as well as her professionalism and high standards of performance. I knew Stacy would have a long and successful career, and she proved me right! Stacy has … Continue reading Stacy Waring Tackles COVID-19 and Antiracism at The Lark

I am happy to share an important and significant update with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections about the results of an investigation into allegations of racial discrimination and harassment that teachers and students from the Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy experienced last year during a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. The State Attorney General of Massachusetts has reached a … Continue reading MFA Boston’s D&I Agreement Serves as Model for Arts Organizations