Opera Idaho’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Opera Idaho is committed to building an inclusive and diverse community of employees, performing artists, Board and Committee members, and audiences; and creating a culture which is welcoming to all. we believe that encouraging and hearing diverse voices will help us fulfill our mission “to fund and produce opera of the highest possible professional standard … and to foster wider acceptance, appreciation and enjoyment of opera and related art forms…”
Opera Idaho is a member of Opera America. You may read their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity statement by clicking the button below.
In August 2020, the board of Opera Idaho voted to publicly sign the following statement and to incorporate this into our policies and practices as an organization.
Boise Arts, Culture & History Anti-Racism Statement & Action Steps
Our Coalition of arts, culture and history organizations is committed to dismantling systemic racism in our community. This includes the oppressive impacts of segregation, mass incarceration, and educational, economic and environmental discrimination; all of which are born from slavery. The arts and culture community has perpetuated white supremacy through appropriation and tokenization, such as recruiting Black people for shows, exhibits and performances without integrating them into positions of sustained leadership. Although there has never been a time in America when Black art wasn’t a driving cultural force, we have used a white lens to define quality and influence. Our histories have also been written through the white lens, discounting and ignoring facts and stories of Black Americans. We must do better.
We believe Idahoans will benefit from holding each other accountable to create an equitable and inclusive community where Black art and Black history matters.
Coalition organizations commit to the following:
- Include members of the Black community in the creation of programming and content. Support the Black community with access to space and resources for independent projects or programs.
- Prioritize intentional recruitment and hiring practices of Black staff, leadership and board members by investing time and/or resources to expand recruitment outside existing networks.
- Create anti-racist policies within governing and management documents, at board and staff levels.
- Articulate the necessity of cultivating a deeper understanding of the communities that we serve, and incorporate their perspectives, needs, feedback, and priorities into our strategic decisions.
- Provide time and resources on an annual basis for board and staff to attend ongoing professional, Black-led anti-racism training.
- Commit to the ongoing practice of anti-racism as individuals and organizations by fostering a culture of accountability and receptivity to learning.
By making our commitment to anti-racism visible through our programs and organizational practices, our Coalition aims to inspire audience members and donors to grow with us in creating a community where Black lives truly matter.
