Dear AT Community,
When we started project Let Your Light Shine several weeks ago, we knew the power of what light represented. We did not know the power of the moment (May 30th) and the intensity of the meaning — to shine your light, to cast out darkness, to be in solidarity and connection with neighbors, to bring hope into communities. At this time when our country feels so divided, we must shine our light — to stand up for equity and stand against injustice where we work and live, as well as in our community.
Arts Together is committed to confronting the systemic racism and racial bias that clouds our work in fulfilling our mission and vision. We are committed to using art, creativity and collaboration to carry out our mission “to cultivate individual, creative strengths through the arts in a diverse, inclusive, collaborative and nurturing community.” We are committed to the vision that “all members of the community have access to engaging and transformative arts experiences.” While art may not transform systemic racism, it can transform minds, soften hearts and help with collective healing.
We extend an invitation to you to join us in our commitment by examining how we all individually contribute to upholding racial injustice. Please make time to reflect on the history that brought us here, examine implicit bias and join Arts Together as we work to create a more equitable world.
In solidarity,
Cherrelyn Napue
Executive Director
Andrea Osborne
President, Board of Directors