We took the Arts for Anti-Racism Pledge.
Not just another diversity pledge.
Ongoing commitment to this work
The Arts for Anti-Racism Pledge is an initiative by the City of New Haven’s Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism to “amplify voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in arts and cultural organizations.” This pledge commits us to changing internal culture to not only include open discourse on race and racism, but also address racism when it happens, to seek out and provide a space for art that is focused on racial justice, to identify and dismantle policies and practices that create barriers for BIPOC leadership, to actively employ, support, and present works by more BIPOC artists, to address issues of accessibility, to offer more participatory programming for the community, and to learn, understand, and acknowledge the history of our organization’s relationship with and impact on BIPOC communities and make sure that knowledge informs our programming decisions in the future. (More information available at togethernewhaven.com/pledge.)
We take this commitment to heart.
Access and equity have always been at the center of Music Haven’s mission. As a free program, and one that provides the support necessary for all students to have the chance to not only play music but also study one-on-one over many years with exceptional teachers, we recognize that simply meeting financial needs doesn’t achieve access or equity. Our work as an arts organization is about pushing beyond access and equity to create a space of liberation for our students, their families, and everyone in our Music Haven community. It requires acknowledging white supremacy and addressing racism within our organization and beyond.
Music Haven is deeply committed to advancing anti-racism work within our organization and the broader community. In partnership with Creative Evolutions, we engage in intentional efforts to address systemic inequities in the arts and foster an inclusive environment where all students, families, and staff can thrive. Creative Evolutions supports this work by facilitating workshops, guiding critical conversations, and helping us examine and challenge racial biases in our practices and policies. Together, we strive to celebrate cultural diversity, ensure equitable opportunities for participation and leadership, and build a more just and equitable arts ecosystem for all.
Music Haven is excited to begin a new chapter in our commitment to anti-racism and equity by partnering with Clifford Beers on their trauma-informed-anti-racist organization learning collaborative. This initiative will focus on understanding and addressing the intersections of trauma, systemic racism, and their impact on our students, families, and staff. With Clifford Beers’ expertise, we will engage in training and reflection to build awareness, create supportive practices, and develop strategies that center healing and resilience. This work will enhance our ability to foster a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive and grow.