Equity Statement

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement of Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council

The Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council (PLRAC) recognizes arts and culture as inherent and vital aspects of life.  Art is a proven proponent of healthy, balanced, and prosperous communities.  The creation and experience of cultural and artistic expression contribute to both individual and community well-being.  We believe in the ability to build increased connectivity through supporting cultural and artistic expression of all social identities including race, tribal affiliation, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexuality, religion, ability, socio-economic background, and the intersectionality of these identities.

This includes historically marginalized and underserved groups such as: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), People with Disabilities, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, etc.), and Youth and Seniors.

We are committed to closing access gaps in the arts with urgency and accountability. We believe sustained impact requires authentic relationships and transformative work, and to this end we are deeply invested.  As stewards of public funds, including those allocated by the Legacy Amendment, PLRAC embraces the unique opportunity to ensure that all residents of the nine-county area have access to quality arts experiences. We celebrate our region as an artistic cultural hub where artists and community members from all walks of life intersect. PLRAC dedicates its work to providing key support at these vital intersections where art and community align.  PLRAC is committed to engaging in the relationship building, self-reflection, community discourse, and hands-on work imperative to make our region a place where all artistic communities can thrive.

PLRAC will focus our resources to educate ourselves, modify our practices and shift our own organizational culture to challenge racial disparities as we move toward equitable arts communities.  We embrace our responsibility to lead racial equity work in funding, while informing and learning from equity and inclusion in the artistic practices and programming of our constituents.

Approved 4/19 and updated 5/21.