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About GCAC

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

GCAC is committed to strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts within all our programs and within the arts community. On this page you will find our equity statements, links to other city and county DEI initiatives and minority vendor lists compiled by Experience Columbus.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement

The Greater Columbus Arts Council’s vision is “a thriving Columbus where the arts matter to all of us.” We recognize to achieve this vision we must actively work to overcome complex inequities in our community including racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, classism, and ableism, among others. We believe that the arts play an essential role in examining the issues of our time, encouraging thoughtful dialogue and prompting change as a pathway to equity.

  • We acknowledge that systems of power grant privilege and access unequally and that is it our responsibility to continually dismantle inequities within our policies, programs, and practices.
  • We commit to engaging with, listening to, and lifting up voices from historically-marginalized groups in all of our programs and initiatives.
  • We demonstrate measurable change by setting annual goals and tracking progress related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • We embrace transparency through regular public reporting and hold ourselves accountable to our community.

 

Racial Equity Statement

We know that there is work to be done in many areas of inequity and injustice; however, GCAC has decided that we must focus our efforts on racial equity to make meaningful progress, as we acknowledge racism as one of the most pressing issues of our time. Focusing on racial equity in our organization generates a framework, tools and resources that can also be applied to other areas of marginalization.

  • We believe that to advance our racial equity work, we must first acknowledge that our history includes actions (both conscious and unconscious) that have created advantages for some groups while limiting opportunities and outcomes for others.
  • We have a responsibility to reflect and serve the racial and cultural diversity of Columbus and Franklin County through our policies and procedures, board and staff composition, and our programs and events.
  • We take the time to engage people of color in authentic dialogue, committing to listen and respond to feedback that will help us take the right steps forward.
    We intentionally research and implement new methods and policies, specifically focused on racial equity and justice, starting with assessments of our current practices.
  • We support the advancement of racial equity in our grantee organizations by offering training and consultation, tools and resources, and incentivizing outcomes.