OPEN CALL! The MESC Board is assembling a committee dedicated to creating MESC's first cultural equity statement, and we'd love for you to join!
Who should apply?
We are hoping to work with people who value cultural equity work and perhaps have some prior knowledge and experience with this kind of work. Interested applicants should be prepared to take part in a deep process of collaborative investigation, analysis, and writing.
What is a cultural equity statement?
A cultural equity statement is an explanation of why an organization is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and details the alignment of that commitment to the overall mission of the organization.
Why is MESC writing a cultural equity statement?
In November of 2015, Hilda Solis and Mark Ridley Thomas, two Los Angeles County supervisors, tasked the Los Angeles Arts Commission “to conduct ‘a constructive County-wide conversation about ways to improve diversity in cultural organizations’ for all County residents” (lacountyarts.org). In the spring of 2017, the Arts Commission published its Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative. This initiative included 13 recommendations to the LA County Board of Supervisors to “ensure that everyone in LA County has equitable access to arts and culture, and to improve inclusion in the wider arts ecology for all residents in every community” (lacountyarts.org). 5 of the 13 recommendations were approved, including “all cultural organizations receiving LA County funds must now have written board-adopted statements, policies, or plans that outline their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access" (lacountyarts.org).
Beyond this being a grant requirement, why is this important to MESC?
Writing this statement is an opportunity to reflect on the principles and values that MESC was founded upon and how, over the past 41 years, we as an organization have contributed to the landscape of equitable access to arts and culture. Through the process of reflecting, questioning, and analyzing we will identify areas of continued growth and pathways to get there. This statement is a commitment to cultural equity. This will guide the board and future boards as MESC continues to do work that empowers the field of museum education.
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FAQ
Q. Do I have to be a MESC member to be on the committee?
A. You do not have to be a MESC member to be on this committee. Please share with your circles!
Q. What is the time commitment?
A. This is a 4 month commitment. The committee will meet twice a month, alternating between conference calls and in-person meetings.
Q. What if I am new to this work and have little to no experience?
A. If you are new to this work but would like to get started, please respond to the questionnaire honestly and authentically.
Respond to the call here!
Deadline to respond is midnight on February 26th
Questions? Email: mescbiz@gmail.com