As the COVID-19 “Stay Home/Stay Safe” orders continue throughout most of the nation, I thought it would be important to share with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections the insights and experiences of the Champions of the Arts working on the front lines of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDI&A). This week, I’m sharing a newsletter post from Edward Holmes, Ph.D., who is the … Continue reading COVID-19 and the Arts: A Word from Wisconsin

I was introduced to the work of Michelle Heffner Hayes last year in an article in Dance Magazine. Dr. Hayes is a professor and artist-scholar in the Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Kansas and she has spent years studying the legacy of cultural appropriation in dance as part of her work. Her interest stems in part from thinking about her own … Continue reading Learning the Difference between Appreciation and Appropriation from Michelle Heffner Hayes

Last week, the Association of Arts Management, Marketing & Development Professionals held a webinar where I gave a presentation about the most successful ways to build Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) in arts organizations. I am making the webinar available to all readers of Arts & Culture Connections, which you can find here. I was inspired by the results of a pre-event survey, in … Continue reading Arts Reach Webinar Focuses on EDIA

I have been learning from a number of different associates that one key way we can create access to the arts is by helping to facilitate participation in the 2020 Census. That’s why I decided to reach out to the readers of Arts & Culture Connection to urge you to participate in and advocate for full participation this year, especially at this critical time. What … Continue reading Another Reason to be Counted: Creating Access to the Arts

As a result of this COVID-19 global pandemic, thousands of people have died, including many creative geniuses, such as the patriarch of the Marsalis family Ellis Marsalis, Jr. Our hearts are filled with compassion and concern for their families and friends as they face the challenge of honoring their loved ones and navigating the quagmire of loss. At the same time, I continue to be … Continue reading Honoring the Deceased and Treasuring the Gifts of Life Amidst the Pandemic

During this current global crisis, I find it increasingly important to share perspectives that can help those of us involved in all aspects of the arts to sustain our work and consider opportunities to continue our efforts. I recently was impressed by the CI to EYE podcast interview that Erik Gensler conducted with Brett Egan, president of the Devos Institute of Arts Management at the … Continue reading CI to EYE Podcast Shares Tips for Arts Organizations During Pandemic

Like many of you, I have been saddened by the postponements of openings, cancellations of performances and closings of venues due to the necessary concerns about the public health consequences of transmitting COVID-19. I have been especially concerned about the artists, production crews, staff and venue operators deeply impacted by the recommended social distancing needed to protect people from the virus. At this point, the … Continue reading Champions of the Arts Emerge As the Pioneers of a Better Age

The first biannual Los Angeles International Dance Festival will be held next month, featuring 30 performances spread across L.A. and surrounding regions, over the course of 16 days. The festival is the brainchild of the “quintessential renaissance woman” of the arts—Debbie Allen—the legendary award-winning, director, producer, choreographer, author, dancer, actor, teacher and mentor. The festival, which Ms. Allen co-founded with Nigel Lythgoe OBE, the creator, … Continue reading ‘Quintessential Renaissance Woman’ Debbie Allen Spearheads Dance Festival

The battle over preserving the cultural heritage of Washington, D.C.’s Black community in the face of a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood recently made national headlines when the mayor signed a law declaring “Go-Go” the official music of the District. I believe we can learn a lot from the community campaign that gave birth to this law. Go-Go music is considered the only indigenous music and expressive … Continue reading The Go-Go Music Battle in D.C. Exemplifies the Importance of Respecting All Cultures

Award-winning playwright Yolanda Bonnell, who defines herself as a Queer, 2-Spirit Ojibwe/South Asian artist, recently banned critics who are not Indigenous, Black or People of Color (IBPOC) from reviewing the production of her play, “bug.” I read reports online about Ms. Bonnell’s bold, public declaration, which launched a conversation, both inside and outside of the world of the arts, about the uneasy relationship between IBPOC … Continue reading Indigenous Playwright Bans Media Critics Who Are Not Indigenous, Black or People of Color