Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in arts and cultural planning

ABSTRACT

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly referenced as goals in general or master plans, yet we know little about how these concepts shape topical arts and cultural plans, which have become an important facet of economic development strategies. Through a detailed content analysis of 64 municipal arts and cultural plans in the United States, this project sought to find out how and when such plans integrate concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We found that these values are only occasionally guiding principles and that most plans are written from the perspective of the majority (usually White) with very little information about demographic or socioeconomic context. Many talk about being inclusive or diverse without ever identifying the marginalized or low-resourced groups in the community. The plans we evaluated span a 20-year time period; those from 2016 to 2019 demonstrate a much stronger equity focus in the planning process and strategy content.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Rose Kim for her assistance with the plan coding and reconciliation process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amanda J. Ashley

Amanda J. Ashley is an Associate Professor of Urban Studies at the School of Public Service, Boise State University.

Carolyn G. Loh

Carolyn G. Loh is an Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at Wayne State University.

Karen Bubb

Karen Bubb is a Cultural Planner for the City of Boise and a PhD Student in Public Policy and Administration at the School of Public Service at Boise State University.

Leslie Durham

Leslie Durham is a Professor of Theatre Arts and Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Boise State University.