Language is a fascinating thing. I just discussed the power of the phrase “historically white theatre.” At nearly the same time I heard that phrase I read Barry Hessenius’ blog post: Programs for the Underserved; Programs for the Overserved. In it, he said the following:
If we recognize that there are Youth At Risk, Underserved Communities, Disadvantaged Populations, and Marginalized Groups, that is a tacit admission that our main program support has been, and continues to be, for Privileged Youth, Adequately or Overserved Communities, Advantaged Populations and Mainstream Groups.
The entire post is an excellent discussion of the issues of diversity and equity. (The short summary is that it’s way too late to concern ourselves “simply” with diversity. The need and demand for equity–action and results–will shortly trump all other issues.) I seldom let well enough alone when I see a brilliant analysis, but I’m sorely tempted this time to simply say, “Read his post.”
So, I think I will leave it at that (mostly). I’ll just add this question: How does the concept of populations overserved by the arts impact your thinking about the work of your organization?
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On an altogether different topic
As I have mentioned before, I’m a member of the board of the Robert E. Gard Foundation. The Foundation has been working to think through its online communications and is looking for ways to extend engagement with the Gard Foundation to more next generation cultural leaders. As a part of this process, we have developed a survey to help us understand how best to revise the our website and social media engagement. The work of the Foundation is very closely related to the mission of this blog. If the work of connecting the arts with communities is important to you, we’d love to get your feedback. The survey only asks 10 questions, and should take less than five minutes of your time. Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GY5ZN9T to access the survey. If you are not familiar with Robert Gard and the Gard Foundation, please visit: http://gardfoundation.org/ before taking the survey.
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Engage!
Doug
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