Statement of Cultural Equity 

To support a full creative life for all, the Worcester County Arts Council commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, diverse, and equitable community. 

DEFINITION OF CULTURAL EQUITY 

Cultural equity embodies the values, policies, and practices that ensure that all people—including but not limited to those who have been historically underrepresented based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion—are represented in the development of arts policy; the support of artists; the nurturing of accessible, thriving venues for expression; and the fair distribution of programmatic, financial, and informational resources. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & AFFIRMATIONS 

· Cultural equity is critical to the long-term viability of the arts sector. 

· We must all hold ourselves accountable because acknowledging and challenging our inequities and working in partnership is how we will make change happen. 

· Everyone deserves equal access to a full, vibrant creative life, which is essential to a healthy and democratic society. 

· The prominent presence of artists challenges inequities and encourages alternatives. 

MODELING THROUGH ACTION 

To provide informed, authentic leadership for cultural equity, we strive to: 

· Pursue cultural consciousness throughout our organization through substantive learning and formal, transparent policies. 

· Acknowledge and dismantle any inequities within our policies, systems, programs, and services. 

· Commit time and resources to expand more diverse leadership within our board, staff, and advisory bodies.