For arts organizations and cultural institutions, the pervasive systems of oppression within our society have unfortunately found a home in spaces that aim to enrich, inspire, and educate. To begin addressing this, we invite professionals and leaders in this sector to consider reflecting on the following:
Organizations must work to let go of established habits and biases. This is necessary to truly understand and represent our varied communities in a genuine way.
The process of unlearning involves deep introspection and a genuine sense of humility. It also requires a strong willingness to change preconceived notions, as well as an unwavering commitment to uphold principles of care, equity, and inclusion. Above all, organizations who want to unlearn systems of oppression will need to practice perseverance and dedication to the ongoing journey.
Maintaining oppressive systems within our organizations can stifle creativity and innovation, and even perpetuate inequality. But most importantly, the biggest cost is the ongoing harm to people and communities who are constantly pushed to the sidelines.
Think about your organization today. Does your whole community show up for your programs and events, and are they fully engaged? Do diverse community members feel that your offerings are FOR them?
This work often starts with acknowledging who is not (yet) in the room. Once you can honestly identify the barriers that exclude some people from participating, you can start dismantling them — turning implicit "keep out" signs into "welcome" signs.
By choosing to actively dismantle oppressive systems, we begin to invest in a future that values an inclusive and equitable environment that benefits us all.
Knowing our role is a big first step. We need to be honest, even if it's hard. It's okay to admit our mistakes kindly and without harsh judgment, realizing we might not have done everything as well as we wanted.
This acknowledgement can take many forms:
Imagine the doors you could open towards meaningful change and progress through this process of reflection and acknowledgment!
The goal of unlearning isn't to place blame or induce guilt. Instead, it's about identifying and actively dismantling unfair systems in our everyday operations. It involves questioning the status quo and working towards creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all.
Many organizations find themselves stuck in a cycle of blame and guilt when confronting systems of oppression within their structures. This often leads to a paralysis of action, where the fear of making further mistakes prevents any meaningful progress. Guilt can be a powerful emotion, but it should not be an obstacle to growth and change. Instead, it can serve as a catalyst for action, inspiring us to make amends and strive for a more equitable and inclusive future.
Making mistakes is an inherent part of learning. They are not failures, but opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. So, don't let fear hold your organization back. The path towards equity and inclusion begins with taking that first step, despite the fear and uncertainty.
Have you ever thought about the role humility plays in personal growth and societal progress? It's a tough pill to swallow. We often need to muster up a lot of courage and introspection to admit that we might have been part of the problem. But here's a thought - isn't acknowledging this uncomfortable truth the first major step towards making a real change?
This realization lets us map out a new journey - a path where we consciously value fairness, inclusivity, respect, and justice. These principles can guide our actions and choices. Take a moment to consider if your organization is actively working towards building a society that genuinely respects and values everyone. What comes up for you?
We need to be ready to start over and learn something completely new. Transitioning to a new way of thinking and unlearning years of conditioned behavior is never easy, largely because challenging the status quo can seem daunting.
Just like learning a new language or a new skill, the more we practice and engage with it, the more comfortable we become. Over time, what once seemed overwhelming and challenging becomes easeful. What once was new and unfamiliar becomes routine through continued embodiment.
The journey of unlearning is not going to follow a linear path. There will, inevitably, be periods of discomfort and even resistance within your organization. Such resistance stems from the human tendency to hold onto deeply ingrained beliefs and systems that have been part of our identity for a long time.
However, it's important to remember that these moments of unease, discomfort, and even resistance are not necessarily negative. In fact, they often signal growth, a shift in perspectives, and new insights. Instead of viewing these moments as stumbling blocks that hinder our progress, we can honor them as stepping stones that are integral to our transformation. They are the catalysts that propel us forward, encouraging us to break out of our comfort zones and embrace change with open arms.
Compassion, in this context, is more than just a sentiment; it is a guiding principle. As we delve deeper into the complex task of understanding and, ultimately, dismantling the deeply entrenched systems of oppression that pervade our society, it is essential that we approach not only ourselves but also others with an unwavering sense of compassion and understanding.
Recognizing and appreciating the fact that everyone is at a unique and different stage in their unlearning journey is key to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This process is not a race but a journey of personal and collective growth, and it is through compassion and understanding that we can truly make progress.
Arts and cultural leaders can seek out and connect with other organizations that share their commitment to unlearning systemic oppression. This journey does not have to be solitary. There are others out there who, like you, are striving to create a more inclusive and equitable environment in the arts and cultural sector. Collaborate with them, share insights, learn from each other's experiences. Participating in joint projects or hosting collaborative discussions can foster a deeper understanding of these issues. This network of like-minded organizations is a powerful force for change.
By engaging in these activities together, we can begin to unravel the complexities. More importantly, this collective effort enables us to tackle systemic oppression not just at an individual institutional level, but across the entire community of arts and cultural organizations.
One invaluable resource we offer for those embarking on this transformative journey is our Unlearning Tool. We designed it so organizations could critically evaluate their current practices and identify areas where oppressive systems may be at play. It provides a structured approach to unlearning, offering a strategic roadmap for organizations to follow.
Here are some elements from the tool to highlight its value:
The path to unlearning systems of oppression is challenging, but the rewards are immense. By striving to create equitable and inclusive environments, arts and culture organizations can truly represent and serve their diverse communities. This journey is not one that has a definitive end, but rather, it is a continuous process of growth and learning. The key lies in being willing to question, change, and evolve for the betterment of all. Remember, every step taken in the right direction counts.