Artists and city authorities are maintaining vigilance over budget allocations for cultural projects
City of Dallas Holds Meeting to Discuss Changes to DEI Programs and Policies
The city of Dallas held a meeting on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the halting of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and policies. Over 90 community members attended the gathering, which was hosted by the city's Office of Arts and Culture (OAC).
The meeting focused on several programs currently under review, including the Culture of Value, Community Artist Program, Cultural Organizations Program, and Arts Activate. The city did not specify which programs will receive funding in the coming months, but it did mention that the guidelines for funding are still under review and are expected to change.
Attendees also raised concerns about the changes to The Dallas Cultural Plan, which was adopted in 2018 and largely focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Liz Cedillo-Pereira, the assistant city manager, stated that the city is "not throwing out the work" of The Dallas Cultural Plan but is trying to figure out how to move forward with it.
Cynthia Anzaldua, a visual artist and arts educator who has received funding from the Community Artist Program for decades, expressed her concerns about the changes. She has received roughly $12,000 a year to teach art classes to seniors, including those with physical and mental disabilities.
Darryl Ratcliff, an artist and arts advocate in Dallas, understands why the OAC has made the changes but finds it disappointing. Arts Access, a recipient of the Arts Activate grant last year and a recipient of funding from the Dallas OAC, also received an email stating that their funding from the city could be affected by the city's decision.
The city will host four more community meetings regarding their changes to DEI programs and policies on Aug. 27, Sept. 4, Sept. 6, and Sept. 9. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts on the changes to city programs. Members of the Dallas community can also fill out an online survey to share their thoughts on the changes to city programs.
New funding guidelines will be released at a later date. The OAC will work individually with each applicant on a case-by-case basis to navigate the new guidelines. The city has not specified how much funding will be allocated in the coming year.
Jerry L. Hawkins, the former executive director of Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation, still has many questions but was pleasantly surprised to see the packed room. He expressed hope that the community would continue to engage in the conversation and work towards a more equitable city.
Darryl Ratcliff, an artist and arts advocate in Dallas, echoed this sentiment, stating that although he finds the changes disappointing, he understands the need for dialogue and collaboration in moving forward. He hopes that the city will continue to prioritize the arts and work towards a more equitable and inclusive community.
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