Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Ah Haa’s Promise
Ah Haa School for the Arts and the American Academy of Bookbinding are driven by curiosity and the transformative power of imagination. Through art we learn how to be more consciously connected to our world and more deeply compassionate as we build caring communities. We welcome both seekers and those who need to be found. We celebrate the deep and resonating value of diversity that allows people of all experiences and backgrounds to discover, create, share, and thrive.
We are committed to sustain a learning environment that values each person’s unique identity, history, and experiences. Through equitable partnerships we strive to be present and participatory with diverse communities that inform who we are and challenge us to become more fully human. We resolve to create access, opportunity, and meaningful change that nurtures diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. We recognize systemic oppression and resulting inequalities that have historically marginalized certain groups of people including Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). We will educate ourselves and our community as well as align our programming and organizational practices through an anti-racist/anti-oppression lens.
Because we live, we create. Because we create, we live more fully.
Native Land Acknowledgement
Ah Haa School for the Arts and the American Academy of Bookbinding honors the land in which we now create.
We pay our respects to those who came before us and particularly acknowledge that we stand on the traditional land of the núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (ute) peoples past and present who have stewarded it for countless generations but were forcibly removed. Out of respect, we will learn the history of this land and we will be mindful stewards of our environment for our children and descendants.
Commitments and Action
Recognize our own biases and actively seek voices from different backgrounds
We will support the underrepresented community through expanded programming and educational experiences
We will proactively program underrepresented artists in our Exhibition Program
We will proactively hire underrepresented instructors
We will proactively reach out to underrepresented communities and organizations to develop equitable partnerships
Collaborate with organizations committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Institute English / Spanish Language building signage
Institute English / Spanish Language website
Provide visibility and opportunity to artists in an equitable and inclusive curatorial process, and work against biases and limitations while centering and celebrating unique perspectives.
We will continue to recruit staff, volunteers and board members that reflect the diversity of our community.
Provide access and opportunity to anyone regardless of financial ability
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