REDI takes center stage

The Marcus Performing Arts Center continues to be actively engaged in strengthening our commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (REDI). This journey began years ago – now it takes center stage for our organization.

To best serve our community, we understand that focused and intentional action is required to ensure our commitment is reflected in everything we do.

A strategic decision to not only evaluate the Marcus Center’s current REDI initiatives and practices but also deepen our REDI commitment across the organization was fully embraced by our board, management team, staff and community advocates. We commit time for listening, learning, and sharing – both inside and outside the organization.

Our REDI Goals and Action Steps

We live and breathe these goals. We acknowledge that the work is never done - requiring us to always think, act, and listen with a REDI lens. We commit to achieving, sustaining, and exceeding these goals.

Representation

Artists, leadership, board, staff, & volunteers who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of Milwaukee County.

Action Steps

  1. Achieve 50% BIPOC board membership by 2025 (currently 45%).
  2. Recruit, hire, and retain 40% BIPOC management by 2028 (currently 19%).
  3. Commit a minimum of 30% of MPAC Presents annual programming to BIPOC artists (currently 50%).
  4. Increase racial and age diversity of volunteers to 30% BIPOC and under age 50 by 2025.

Inclusion

Create, sustain, and promote a culture of belonging across the organization.

 

Action Steps

  1. Build a process for inclusion based decision making across the organization.
  2. Implement regular and consistent collection of audience perceptions.
  3. Continue to develop community-based programming that enhances sense of belonging.
  4. Create comprehensive communication plans.

Investment

Financial investment in REDI initiatives across the organization.

 

Action Steps

  1. Increase investment in minority, veteran, and women-owned suppliers and vendors.
  2. Establish annual budget for on-going REDI education for staff, volunteers, and board.
  3. Invest in at least one new artistic work produced by BIPOC artists annually.
  4. Invest in new community access programs that remove barriers to participation.

Culture Collective

The Culture Collective is designed to celebrate and elevate the contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds and artistic disciplines. This year’s Collective features eight performances featuring prominent artists of color ranging from award-winning musicians and dance companies to dazzling cirque and concert experiences as well as two free community events.
With the second year of the Collective, we are proud to continue this journey as part of our commitment to Racial, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, ensuring that the transformative power of the arts reaches everyone in our community.
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