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Please explain how <br />your organization <br />ensures diversity, <br />equity, inclusion, and <br />accessibility in its <br />programs and <br />operations. <br />HAC actively works to embed DEIA principles into every aspect of decision <br />making. Our organization’s mission is, “To advocate for local artists and <br />provide access to inclusive community arts programming in Hillsborough, <br />NC.” <br />In 2023, the Board of Directors made the commitment to invest time and <br />resources in DEIA training. The core leadership team, including board <br />members and staff, have participated in multiple training sessions with the <br />Executive Service Corps and Aisha Adams. These workshops highlighted <br />ways in which HAC could shift its mission to include DEIA-aligned <br />strategies throughout every aspect of organizational operations. <br />One outcome of these training sessions was a DEIA research project led <br />by the Board. After an audit with an external leader that was experienced in <br />this area of work, the findings were analyzed and recommendations were <br />made. HAC then began to implement these guiding principles, with the goal <br />of improving representation of and collaboration with the many different <br />individuals, communities, neighborhoods, and artists who make up <br />Hillsborough. W e are also fortunate to have a board member, Arisa <br />Sullivan, who is experienced in leading DEIA trainings for corporations. She <br />oversees our DEIA Initiative, guiding staff and board members through the <br />process of making our commitment tangible. She is also leading the charge <br />to ensure we hire diverse staff members and recruit diverse board <br />members so all of our community has representation. <br />It has always been our mission to provide economically accessible arts <br />programming through large scale free community events. W ith support from <br />HAC’s executive leadership, staff members are empowered to make <br />programmatic decisions informed by the organization’s commitment to DEIA <br />best practices. This year, we made digital accessibility improvements to <br />our website and added an accessibility statement: <br />“Hillsborough Arts Council is committed to enriching our local community <br />through providing access to the arts. Our events intend to engage diverse <br />audiences, supporting a creative space for all ages and disciplines. To fulfil <br />this promise, HAC is actively expanding event programming accessibility <br />for those with disabilities, including but not limited to wheelchair users. W e <br />are also making accessibility improvements to our website. This website <br />has been designed to reduce content barriers for visitors with visual and <br />physical impairments.” <br />Another way in which HAC’s programming choices reflect our commitment <br />to DEIA is prioritizing culturally diverse artists when hiring event <br />performers. In particular, we have an opportunity to bring a diverse <br />representation of music to the Live on the Lawn series during our Last <br />Friday events in May-October. DEIA trainings completed by HAC <br />leadership has empowered staff with tools to authentically engage diverse <br />artists. As a result, we have been able to book a wide variety of artists, <br />showcasing everything from African drumming to Southern folk music to <br />mariachi bands. This season, our program themes lean into cultural <br />representation more than ever. <br />Docusign Envelope ID: 10E85B85-3DF9-4F09-88B4-92BB780493B7