Nevada: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Workshop

Participants describe a grant they created for ADA Compliancy and Community Development. Photo courtesy Michelle Patrick

The Nevada Arts Council conducted a workshop entitled Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) through Reconciliation, in partnership with the City of Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs. This program was specifically designed for arts and cultural leaders in nonprofits, municipalities and public institutions. The two-day workshop, attended by 30 participants, explored the intersection of arts and implicit biases in creative work spaces. This event was structured to create an open and safe space that encouraged participants to constructively reflect, acknowledge and own their personal biases despite gender, physical or racial assignment. Through roundtable discussions, participants assessed how cultural assumptions are developed, sustained and reinforced in arts programs; cultural planning; and a variety of accessibility barriers. The training was not facilitated through a social justice or academic lens, but through a holistic approach that focused on intent and accountability. In addition to racism, the training also covered sexism, ageism, generational bias and LGBTQ bias. The overall goal was not only to recognize and respect fellow creative community members, but also to support reconciliation of divides and differences that often afflict communities and work spaces. For more information, contact Nevada Arts Council Community Arts Development Specialist Michelle Patrick at 702-486-3732.