Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

Definitions:

Diversity: Diversity is about the individual. It is about the variety of unique dimensions, qualities and characteristics we all possess.

Equity: Equity is a principle and process that promotes fair conditions for all persons to fully participate in society. It recognizes that while all people have the right to be treated equally, not all experience equal access to resources, opportunities or benefits.

Inclusion: Inclusion is about the collective. It is about creating a culture that strives for equity and embraces, respects, accepts and values difference.

A.    Purpose 

To support, celebrate and sustain the Sun Peaks arts and culture sector that provides inclusive and equitable access to all, ArtZone commits to policies and practices that respect human rights and empower a just, dignified, inclusive and equitable society. 

B.     Acknowledgements and Premise 

●      We acknowledge, respect and celebrate the diversity of our Board, volunteers, program participants, partners, collaborators, stakeholders and audiences. As such, ArtZone strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization where we respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

●      ArtZone acknowledges that while all people and arts organizations deserve equal access to its programs and services as well as opportunities within the broader arts sector, we also recognize that certain groups in Canadian society have been historically disadvantaged because of systemic biases or barriers. We acknowledge the need to continually address and dismantle any inequities within our own policies, systems, programs, and services and within the broader Sun Peaks cultural sector. 

●      ArtZone actively opposes discrimination based on gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sexual orientation or identity, marital or family status, education or disability or any other prohibited grounds as set out in Canada’s Human Rights Act. We are committed to a non-discriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our departments, programs, and workspaces, whether in-person or virtual. 

●      In making this commitment, we are engaging in a long-term and on-going process of education, improvement and evaluation. 

C. Responsibilities and Commitments 

As we work to deliver our programs, events and services, ArtZone considers the following to be our responsibilities:   

●      We will see cultural diversity, inclusion, and equity as connected to our mission and critical to ensuring the well-being of our members and the arts communities we serve.  

●      At all levels of the organization, we will practice and encourage transparent communication and we will lead with respect, dignity and fairness. 

●      We will foster an environment that focuses on positivity around the subjects of diversity, inclusion, and equity to ensure that underrepresented minority groups are involved in important decisions that affect the programs that ArtZone builds.

●      We will acknowledge and dismantle any inequities within our policies, systems, programs, and services, and continually update and report on organizational progress, striving to continually learn from all those around us and grow towards a more inclusive organization. 

●      We will explore, acknowledge and remedy underlying, unquestioned assumptions and biases that interfere with creating an inclusive environment, or may influence how decisions are made.   

●      We will commit time and resources to inclusive recruitment practices and human resources management so that the leadership within our Board of Directors, staff, steering committees, volunteers and mentors will be more reflective of Canadian society.   

●      We will not tolerate any threatening, bullying, harassment, discriminatory or inappropriately sexualized language or behaviour. 

●      We strive to create an atmosphere that is free from physical and intellectual barriers and any behaviour that threatens the diversity of ArtZone and the organization’s ability to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment within the arts sector. When requested, we will endeavour to provide reasonable accommodation for individuals’ accessibility needs in all ArtZone programs, training and events. To the best of our abilities, we will ensure the venues and public spaces booked for programs and events are accessible to all.  

●      We will ensure everyone associated with ArtZone is aware of the duties and responsibilities set out in this policy. We expect all board members and members to embrace these values and responsibilities; and to express them in workspace interactions and through everyday practices.

●      We will provide participants and board members with training and resources to better understand the importance of an environment that is welcoming and supportive to all people.

D. Accountability 

This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. This policy will be publicly published on the ArtZone website so that all our program participants, partners, mentors, volunteers and collaborators may access and refer to it when engaging with ArtZone.