Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Our Statement

We Believe

**The arts enrich and enhance the creative, cultural and economic vitality of neighborhoods, communities and societies.**
**Throughout history and currently there are systems of power that grant privilege and access unequally such that inequity and injustice occur.**
**Equity, diversity and inclusion are critical to the long-term viability of the arts sector.**

We Believe

**All artistic voices must be fostered equally and inclusively to truly support the creative, cultural, entrepreneurial, economic and physical vitality of our community.**
**Creatives from all backgrounds are essential to the equity, diversity and inclusion movement because artistic expression challenges norms, opens dialogue and encourages alternatives.**
**We must hold ourselves accountable because acknowledging and challenging inequities, and working in partnership is how change happens.**

* Adapted in part from the Americans for the Arts statement on Cultural Equity

Definitions

Equity

The fair treatment, access and opportunity of all people to ensure involvement and advancement while at the same time identifying and eliminating barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups

Diversity

The recognition and representation of individual or group differences encompassing race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, country of origin, ability, socioeconomic status, age, religion, parental status and other areas of identity

Inclusion

The intentional fostering of an environment in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued to fully participate

* Adapted from the Denver Arts & Venues ‘How to Be an Anti-Racist Organization’ series 2020/2021

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Our Stance

40 West Arts Creative District is located along historic West Colfax Avenue and the adjacent W Line light rail corridor in northeast Lakewood. The neighborhoods in the corridor are home to a diverse population of residents, many of whom have been underserved historically.

The demographics of the community include Lakewood’s highest percentage of residents who identify as Hispanic, many individuals and families who live at or below the poverty line and qualify for free and reduced lunches, and unhoused residents who call the area home on a permanent or temporary basis.

40 West Arts is proud to be a part of the history, vision and passion of Lakewood’s diverse West Colfax corridor, and is committed to supporting an equitable and inclusive community where all individuals, whatever their race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, country of origin, ability, socioeconomic status, age, religion, parental status, or other identities, are valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs and artistic opportunities.

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“We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages, and work to ensure that all voices are valued and heard. We’re committed to holding ourselves accountable to acknowledging our inequities, owning up to our mistakes, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.”

— 40 West Arts District Board & Staff

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Our Commitment

To provide informed, authentic leadership for equity, diversity and inclusion, 40 West Arts strives to:

One

See equity, diversity and inclusion as connected to our mission and critical to ensure the well-being of our staff, volunteers, and the arts communities we serve.

Three

Explore potential underlying, unquestioned assumptions that interfere with inclusiveness.

Two

Acknowledge and dismantle any inequities within our policies, systems, programs and services, and continually update and report organization progress.

Four

Advocate for and support board-level thinking about how systemic inequities impact our organization’s work, and how best to address that in a way that is consistent with our mission.

Five

Help to challenge assumptions about what it takes to be a strong leader at our organization, and who is well-positioned to provide leadership.

Seven

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

Six

Practice and encourage transparent communication in all interactions.

Eight

Lead with respect and tolerance. We expect all employees to embrace this notion and to express it in workplace interactions and through everyday practices.

* Adapted in part from the Bloomerang template on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

Stay Connected

Have an idea, interested in getting involved? See our volunteer opportunities or send us an email at info@40WestArts.org

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