At California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community within our staff and reflected in our artistic programming. We believe that the richness of the arts arises from embracing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is fundamental to our mission and values.
To uphold these principles, we pledge to:
Embrace Diversity: We celebrate and welcome individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity as a source of strength, creativity, and innovation within our artistic endeavors.
Foster Equity: We strive to create a fair and just environment where everyone has equal opportunities to participate, grow, and contribute. We acknowledge historical inequities and are dedicated to addressing systemic barriers that hinder access and representation in the arts.
Cultivate Inclusion: We are committed to creating spaces, programs, and initiatives that are inclusive and respectful of diverse voices. We actively seek and amplify marginalized perspectives, encouraging dialogue and collaboration that values every individual’s unique contribution.
Actively Engage: We actively engage with communities and stakeholders to listen, learn, and respond to their needs. Through partnerships, outreach, and open communication, we seek to understand diverse experiences and work collaboratively towards a more inclusive arts ecosystem.
Accountability and Continuous Improvement: We hold ourselves accountable for upholding these principles and continuously strive for improvement. We regularly assess our practices, policies, and decision-making processes to ensure they align with our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Support and Empowerment: We support artists, creators, and arts professionals from underrepresented backgrounds by providing resources, mentorship, and platforms to showcase their talents. We empower individuals to thrive in the arts by removing barriers and fostering an environment of support and encouragement.
Transparency and Accessibility: We are committed to transparency in our actions, decisions, and initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We prioritize accessibility in our programs and services, ensuring they are available to all individuals, regardless of barriers they may face.
Words from our CEO, Gina Lopez
“When I first joined CCAEF, I committed to uphold the values of DEIB ensuring that the art center become a welcoming space for individuals from diverse backgrounds, forwarding our mission and fostering a rich tapestry of perspectives, talents, and ideas. By championing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, we can not only nurture a vibrant internal culture but also broaden our appeal, attracting diverse audiences and supporters who feel seen, heard, and valued in the cultural spaces they engage with. An important part of that commitment is recognizing and respecting the indigenous peoples who were the original stewards of the land on which the organization operates.”
Words from our Board of Trustee Chair, Leila Sackfield
“As a career educator, I have dedicated my life to personally upholding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging as fundamental pillars of my own value system. I am proud that the CCAEF holds these values dear as well. I firmly believe that the arts provide an ideal platform for elevating the voices, perspectives, and diverse experiences of others. By actively engaging in the arts—whether through viewing, participating, or supporting—we contribute to creating a beautiful set of shared experiences that allows us to joyously celebrate diversity, nurture equity, and wholeheartedly embrace inclusion as well as a sense of belonging . This commitment drives our efforts to ensure every individual feels heard, valued, and represented within our artistic community. The arts is and will always be a powerful, unifying force that draws people to be in communion with one another, as we are meant to be.”
Featured Image Credit:Dancers from A Step Beyond in the Concert Hall Hallway by Long Troung
