Cultural equity and accessibility are featured in the accessibility for participants and visitors of all ages and abilities. Equity-denied groups unable to attend cultural venues such as museums and art galleries are able to view public art free of charge in the Open Air Museum. The increased focus in society on the need for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies within organizations is leading the Vancouver Biennale to develop a framework of policies where currently a formal framework does not exist within the organization, although we recognize the pillars of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all the work we do internally and externally for the organization.
Equity
The Vancouver Biennale believes in fair treatment, equality of opportunity, advancement, and fairness regarding access and resources for all. Creating a fair and equitable community requires the identification and elimination of barriers that prevent the full participation of some groups. We acknowledge that there are historically under-served and under-represented populations (including deaf, disabled, Indigenous, low income, LGBTQ2+, and racialized groups) and that addressing this imbalance is an essential step in achieving equality wherein accessible opportunities for all are provided.
Diversity
Diversity is the representation of our various identities, collectively and individually. It includes, and is not limited to, age, caste, citizenship, colour, education, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, language, learning styles, marital status, mental or physical ability, modes of communication, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, tribe, veteran status, and ways of thinking. The Vancouver Biennale believes that it is the diversity that adds value and meaning to all our communities. We acknowledge, respect, embrace, and welcome all our differences. Thoughtfully and proactively, we seek out, engage with, and draw on the multiplicity of perspectives pertaining to varied identities and differences of individuals and groups so that our understanding of diversity across multiple areas continues to grow.
Inclusion The Vancouver Biennale strives to build a culture of belonging by actively inviting participation and contribution from everyone. No one person or group can represent our entire community: every person’s voice adds intrinsic meaning and value. To be inclusive means authentically bringing individuals and/or groups that have been historically excluded into processes, activities, and decision- and policy-making to generate new ideas and ways that share power and ensure equal access to opportunities and resources. Our goal is to be inclusive in our leadership, membership, staff/team, and volunteers; on boards and committees; and in all Vancouver Biennale activities, events, projects, and programs.
Calls to Action for the Vancouver Biennale
- To engender a safer space in which all voices are represented, heard, acknowledged, and respected.
- To create meaningful collaboration via thoughtful dialogue and conscious listening.
- To provide equity, diversity, and inclusion training for staff and the board of directors.
- To continue building a more diverse team (including staff and the board of directors).
- To continue to expand our content and programming so that a wider diversity of individuals, groups, and communities and their unique art forms and practices are included in our projects and programs.
- To communicate frequently with our members, audiences, and stakeholders to
ascertain the effectiveness and success of newly implemented initiatives pertaining
to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
The responsibility to create and maintain accessible, welcoming, inclusive environments free of discrimination and to cultivate a safe space where all voices are heard, valued, and represented is shared by the entire Vancouver Biennale team, regardless of seniority, job title, or relationship to the organization.
The above is not intended to be comprehensive. We continue to be open to questions, feedback, and dialogue.
