How do we define equity?

Equity and equality are not the same. Equality is the outcome and what we strive to achieve one day, meanwhile, equity is the strategy. Equity does not mean ALL. Equity means investing (financially, in-kind, and/or resources) and supporting communities in which we know have had less access to arts education which have historically been Black, Indigenous, Latinx, immigrant, and Asian Communities (BIPOC). AEMS believes in using equitable strategies to strengthen arts education access and quality.

 

Our Foundation

AEMS is striving to be an anti-racist organization and is currently shifting our mindsets from blame, shame, guilt, and grievance to causes, effects, systems, and solutions. We realize once harm is done there is nothing that can immediately fix the situation but there can be continuous work towards regaining trust and collaborating with the communities in which we serve - specifically BIPOC communities. We also acknowledge that this position statement is within itself a characteristic of white supremacy (worship of the written word) and with this statement, we aim to not only write about our position but be transparent about our direction by our actions.