Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Statement
Approved by the PHAME Board in January 2019
At PHAME, we believe that art is for everyone—and that art builds community, opportunity and excellence. Prejudice and privilege have created barriers that PHAME must unravel, systematically and strategically, until everyone in our community has equitable access to the arts.
PHAME recognizes that the rights of people with disabilities are inseparable from the human rights movements for racial, economic, sexual orientation and gender equity. We recognize that people with disabilities must be at the forefront of any successful fight for justice. Our work is rooted in the belief that inclusion, excellence, dignity of risk, opportunity, and self-determination are core values held by all people.
PHAME understands that prejudices that harm people with disabilities are compounded when combined with the systems that oppress people based on race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, religion and socio-economic status. We value collaboration across movements as key to dismantling oppression within our organization, our community and the broader society.
We envision a city of people empowered by the arts. A city where all artists, performers, and creative workers have the freedom, agency and platform to share and amplify their stories and experiences. At the same time, we acknowledge that our actions—both conscious and unconscious —have benefited some communities while limiting opportunities for others.
We commit to centering the priorities of people with disabilities who also have diverse backgrounds and identities, acknowledging that multiple-marginalized groups have historically been under-represented in our work to increase the rights of people with disabilities.
To that end, PHAME has the goal to use the following principles to direct our work:
People with disabilities have the right to lead full, creative lives through arts education and performance opportunities.
People with disabilities have the right to pursue their dreams without the limits of others’ low expectations.
People with disabilities have the right to fully access and participate in public life.
People with disabilities have the right to fair and equal opportunities to advance economically.
People with disabilities must have access to culturally relevant and trauma-informed services.
People with disabilities have the right to personal safety, freedom from abuse, and effective response to crisis.
People with disabilities, including those people from low-income backgrounds, with diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds, with diverse immigration status, identifying as LGBTQQ, who are currently or were formerly incarcerated, and those from all other marginalized backgrounds must be able to participate and lead a diverse disability rights movement.
These guiding principles are not and may never be exhaustive, and, as a board, we have committed to revising our EDI work over the first half of 2019, especially in light of the partnership model. We realize that we cannot do this work alone and are committed to bringing new perspectives to our decision-making table, forming new relationships and alliances, and finding new ways to support creativity. As we travel this road, individually and institutionally, we promise to remain humble, optimistic and respectful.