Notes from the Board - Let’s Talk About What We Don’t Know How to Talk About
“Diversity is the mix; Inclusion is making the mix work.”
The quote above resonates with me when I think about RiverArts.
For the past year and a half, the RiverArts board and staff have been doing the work so that we, as an organization, can meet the needs of our community and be known for equitable and inclusive programming. Our newly formed Strategic Planning Committee aims to expand our understanding of diversity and how inclusivity connects to our mission to provide enriching arts experiences. How can painting, music, dance, and photography help us see broader perspectives and welcome more people? Our mission is to understand diversity through art.
When we think of diversity, racial equity certainly enters the equation as a forerunner. We continue to unpack how systemic, institutional structures of white supremacy culture affect our community and organizations. However, we know that our pledge to racial equity is only part of how we can meet our mission to provide Art for Everyone.
As we strategically focus on our efforts to expand the diversity of the River Arts community, we renew our commitment to ensuring that our programs are welcoming for people from all different economic backgrounds, accessible for persons with any physical or intellectual needs, provide a safe space for people with trauma or addiction, and welcoming people from different faiths backgrounds. Every person fits into our tiny but mighty art center.
Here is our first project. It is fun and requires no skills whatsoever! River Arts wants to hear from you. What can we do differently so that our programs are more welcoming and inclusive.
Write a Love Letter to River Arts!
Here is our first project. It is fun and requires no skills whatsoever! River Arts wants to hear from you. What can we do differently so that our programs are more welcoming and inclusive?
Stop by RiverArts, pick up a heart from the front desk and tell us what you love best about us.
Here’s the catch: Once you are through being Cupid, change your wings for horns and become the Devil. We want to hear how we can serve you better. You are the ones to give us concrete feedback. We want to listen to your ideas and make them happen. We want you to tell us your dreams- and feel free to be wild and crazy with ideas because you never know how we can expand on them.
If you don’t want to stop by, tell us through our feedback form online. We can all use a little love. Our staff works hard, make sure to send them some love too. We will even fill out your heart for you. The hearts will be hanging on our first floor.
Stay tuned for more news about our listening campaign and a lecture series to help us continue this conversation. Don’t forget to check out our Winter/ Spring classes and our winter exhibits which both focus on perspective. We are so excited to host the “Listening Outside the Lines Project” an Oral History and Art from the Lamoille Art and Justice Project. Kathy Black’s exhibit “Women and Girls.” Something new happens every day at River Arts, so don’t miss out.
-Peggy Smith, Board of Trustees