In Dallas, we envision a city of people whose success and well-being are not pre-determined by their race, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, social status, zip code, or citizenship status. We recognize that artistic and cultural expression are fundamental to the development of our identity, as individuals and as a community at large. We assert the right for all people to have access to arts and cultural experiences throughout Dallas.
We recognize the historic legacies of racism, overt bias and injustice that shape our present reality. In fact, the City of Dallas’ arts funding originated to support organizations of the Western European canon, collectively referred to as “The Big Six.” Going forward, we will strive to support the broadest range of art forms and creative producers, considering inclusivity, diversity and neighborhood impact to direct resources equitably to artists and organizations. We will work to build a robust arts ecosystem that continually evolves to better reflect the diverse composition of Dallas. Towards this end, we recognize and affirm the potential of new and emerging artists and organizations.
The Office of Arts and Culture will serve as convener and connector to catalyze equity in the policies and practices of its partners across the Dallas arts ecosystem. Core to this is leading other organizations and private resource providers to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in concrete, measurable ways. Annually, the Office of Arts and Culture will summarize its own support for artists and arts organizations, highlighting measures of equity and diversity.
As we work together to create a more vibrant Dallas, the Office of Arts and Culture is committed to nurturing the wide diversity of creative culture and experiences that make up this great city.
The Commitment to Cultural Equity, updated Cultural Policy, and the 2018 Dallas Cultural Plan were unanimously adopted by the Dallas City Council on November 28, 2018.
OAC’s Cultural Policy – Cultural Equity Section
City of Dallas – Equity resources:
Office of Equity
Office of Business Diversity
Office of Equity and Human Rights – Briefing (November 5, 2018)
Equity Indicators Project Update (June 4, 2018)
The City of Dallas is a Core Member of the Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE), which is a joint project of the new Race Forward and the Haas Institute for a Fair & Inclusive Society.
