Arts Benicia is committed to operating with an awareness of the complex inequities that exist in society due to the long-term effects of historical legacies and practices on opportunity, access and resources for persons of color as well as for persons in marginalized groups such as those based on gender, sexual orientation, ability, immigration status, age, class, and other factors. These inequities exist in our local region, where wealth and positions of power and privilege are not equitably distributed among all populations. In particular, Arts Benicia serves the population of Solano County, of which nearly 50% are persons of color.
Our awareness of racial inequities will constantly inform our policies and practices, the development of programs, accessibility, hiring, outreach, scholarship programs, and our interactions with our constituency.
We stand in solidarity with artists, activists and community leaders calling out against institutional racism, inequality and injustice in any form. We deeply appreciate the many arts and social justice organizations that are seeking to make real and lasting change.
In our work, we will strive to
- reflect the racial and cultural diversity of our local region;
- ensure inclusion in our programs, reaching out to engage historically excluded groups or individuals; and
- maintain a spirit of learning, adaptation, and willingness to change to achieve equity.