Music can be an extraordinarily powerful tool for connection and change. We are committed to living the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. We are passionate about the world of the orchestra being a place for everyone. Reducing barriers to access, cultivating diverse audiences, electing and recruiting representational leadership, and creating spaces where people from all backgrounds and demographics have a voice in our work – are all key components of what we do. We understand that we have more work to do, and that our work will never be finished.
We understand that the world of the orchestra has a history of exclusion. In working with the youngest members of our community, we especially have the opportunity – and the obligation – to make change. We believe it is on us to reinvent the orchestra experience for children and that, through this work, we can build a path for a more equitable future in the world of the orchestra. As we do this, we will not assume that the traditions of the orchestra are the right way forward. We will work for change by questioning and challenging the established assumptions and perceptions of the orchestral world.
We know that orchestra music is only one tiny slice of a vast global landscape of artistic experiences. While we love the orchestra and believe deeply in all it has to offer, we reject the premise upheld by so many institutions throughout history that orchestra music is inherently superior to other art forms. We will continue to create space to celebrate and honor the arts and artists from diverse cultures.
Please find resources for a variety of other art forms and organizations representing cultures from around the world here. This list is a growing document. Please add to it, and give us feedback on it and on these policies, by contacting us at info@insidetheorchestra.org.
Adopted in 2018
Adopted in 2019
In addition to our values statements, our staff also committed to a set of agreements when it comes to programming and program design. They are as follows:
Revision adopted 2017
Inside the Orchestra does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff and performers, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Inside the Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.