Hello,

With Daylight Savings Time in effect, we hope you are able to enjoy the (literally) brighter days ahead of us!

This week, we reflect upon the 1 year anniversary since the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic took place in our lives. Looking back at this past year, we have experienced grief, many of us have transitioned our lives to online environments, as well as working through and processing the effect the pandemic has had on arts and culture. Studies and research have also shown the significant impact the pandemic has had on communities of color. As we continue to apply anti-racist practices in our lives, let’s also reflect upon how we can continue to support BIPOC communities during the pandemic. Check out these articles and resources on creating equitable work spaces for BIPOC staff members, as well as work life balance for BIPOC remote workers.

With 2021 ahead and while we look back on 2020, we found grounding techniques such as these helpful as well as continuing to learn more about artist experiences during the pandemic. How have you been taking time to find grounding and joy during this time of reflection?

In other news:

Cultural institutions throughout the United States are increasingly reflecting and thinking critically about how they can create equitable practices and environments through their organizations. What can cultural institutions do to practice and advance equity in the field? Reckoning with a Reckoning: How Cultural Institutions Can Advance Equity

““Bricks and mortar does not create culture—people create culture.” That is to say, the museum suffers if it is not representative of its entire community.” As Museums Move to Diversify, Newly Created Roles for Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Take on New Significance reflects on how museums are tackling change. What are museums or other arts and culture organizations doing in your community?

Cripping Choreography
Hollywood Losing $10B in Potential Annual Revenue From Black Inequity, Says McKinsey Report

Learning Opportunities and Activities:

March 17^th: Decolonizing Dance Writing (Free)
The workshop will be a call to action for the continued commitment to the ongoing labor of (re) imagining a more equitable dance field.

March 18^th: NJPAC’s Arts Education & Social Justice Day of Learning (Pay What You Can)
NJPAC’s virtual professional development offers live cast workshops that can inspire, educate, and reinvigorate your teaching strategies!

April 5^th: Looted Art and Postcolonial Justice: Decolonizing the Art Museum (Free)

The symposium "Looted Art and Postcolonial Justice: Decolonizing the Art Museum," hosted by the California State University, Sacramento Art Department, will delve into repatriation struggles across the globe.

April 7^th: Fostering Cultural Humility in Disability Services (Free)

This workshop is designed to provide tools and strategies to increase multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills in the competencies necessary to effectively work with and relate to ethnically and culturally diverse clients receiving disability services.

April 10: Activate Equity 2021: Landscaping Abundance (Sliding Scale)
Activate Equity brings together of a community of artists, activists, and educators who seek to disrupt the racial and social inequities in the arts & culture sector through creative solutions.

Thank you for reading, and have a grounded and joyful week! If you want to share ways this work is showing up in your organization or community, or if you have questions, let us know using this form.

Warmly,

Ami

Ami Scherson

(ah-mee shure-sun)

Equity in Arts Leadership Program Coordinator

Americans for the Arts

One East 53^rd St 3^rd Fl

New York, NY

(212) 223-2787 x2083

www.AmericansForTheArts.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Please feel free to respond to this email at your own pace and share any access needs you may have.