Our Story

Grand Vision Foundation Statement on Racial Equity

 

1. GVF believes and recognizes that:

• No race or ethnic group is superior to any other.
• Systemic racism continues to be a historical barrier to participation in the arts by audiences, artists, students and decision makers of color in Los Angeles.
• Access to experiencing and participating in the arts is a fundamental human right essential for society and individuals to achieve their full potential.
• Students deserve equitable access to a complete culturally-responsive and anti-racist education that includes music and the arts.
• Racial equity is an essential ongoing practice, whereby historically marginalized groups must achieve equitable access to opportunities and resources, and the tools appropriate to successfully utilize them.
• Our organization is strengthened by the high level of cultural and ethnic diversity in our immediategeographical area and greater Los Angeles.

2. GVF embraces these strategies as a means to address issues of systemic racism, and will:

• Have an open ear to our community needs, and actively seek input in developing authentic programming reflective of the interests, values and cultural perspectives of community members.
• Intentionally design our marketing of our arts and cultural events to appeal to audiences from diverse segments of the L.A. Harbor and greater Los Angeles area.
• Provide culturally-responsive and relevant arts education programming reflective of our student participants and the diverse community that we serve.
• Provide opportunities to our staff and teaching artists to expand their roles in promoting racial equity and deepen their understanding.

3. GVF has made racial equity in arts education, arts programming and organizational operations a key priority, and commits to:

• Align our programming with the values and interests of our diverse audiences and increase access by offering a range of free and fee-based arts experiences.
• Present diverse faces of the organization at events, as hosts, or speakers to project and model inclusiveness.
• Engage our staff and Board in ongoing self-examination and education on racial equity and create systems by which concerns may be addressed.
• Increase racial and community representation on our Board, staff, advisory board and in our programming.
• As needed, continue to provide language translation during productions and in marketing material to ensure accessibility.
• Partner with other arts and community organizations to advocate for racial equity in the arts.