Dear Dreamers and Doers,
We stand with you in what has become an unthinkable moment for arts and culture in America. The very expressions of humanity that have carried us through our darkest hours — our stories, our music, our creative spaces — are now caught in the crosshairs of a widening cultural divide.
From national art institutions to your local children’s library, we’re witnessing unprecedented challenges to the foundational belief that human expression deserves to be protected, honored, and shared. Many of you have reached out, voices filled with a mixture of determination and concern, asking how to navigate these treacherous waters while staying true to your mission.
When the Ground Shifts Beneath Your Feet
The language that once united us in our efforts to create inclusive, representative spaces has been weaponized. Words like “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” — which at their heart simply acknowledge our shared humanity — have become lightning rods in the current storm.
But remember this: The politics of the moment may claim certain words, but they cannot claim the timeless values behind them or the actions you’re employing. When your museum shows ancient artifacts from multiple civilizations, when your theater produces works from varied perspectives, when your dance company incorporates diverse movement traditions — you’re not being “political.” You’re being human. You’re being arts and culture.
It’s still true: actions speak louder than words.
Return to Your Higher Purpose
When you don’t know what to do, go back to basics. Just as the overwhelmed fundraiser goes back to the simple task of working the money, arts leaders must return to the work of focusing on their purpose.
Your mission probably hasn’t changed. The world around it has. Again.
Ask yourself: What is our higher purpose? What human need does our organization serve? How do we articulate that need without getting blown to bits in today’s verbal minefields?
Flexibility Within Firmness
Every organization’s situation differs. Some will gain more by holding firm in resistance, making bold statements that honor their values regardless of consequences. Others need strategic flexibility to remain resilient and continue serving their communities through uncertain times. There is no single right answer. Only the answer that aligns with your organization’s unique role, community, and circumstances.
Reimagining Our Language
If certain terms have become weaponized in the war on woke, consider alternatives that carry the same values: unity, representation, community, pluralism. We have other great choices. But remember—it’s not about finding perfect terminology. It’s about focusing on people and acknowledging their humanity.
Words matter, yes. But people matter more.*
Listen Before You Leap
Now more than ever, understanding your community’s mind is essential. Use surveys, focus groups, and roundtable discussions to listen deeply. Then serve accordingly.
The data you gather may surprise you. In tumultuous times, people often crave connection and meaning more than ever — precisely what arts and culture organizations are uniquely positioned to provide.
You’ve Weathered Storms Before
Remember: You survived a global pandemic. You activated strategies, pivoted programs, reimagined delivery methods, and continued your work when the world shut down. The resilience you demonstrated then lives within your organization now.
This moment calls for the same courage, creativity, and commitment that brought you through before.
The Path Forward
As you navigate these uncharted waters, consider these guiding principles:
- Center on your values without becoming entangled in terminology wars
- Strengthen community connections when divisiveness threatens
- Focus on human experiences rather than political positions
- Tell stories that transcend the current moment
- Find strength together with other arts organizations
We don’t pretend to have all the answers. Every organization’s journey through this landscape will be different, influenced by factors that may be invisible to outside observers.
But this we know for certain: The arts have survived centuries of challenge precisely because they speak to something essential in the human spirit. It will survive the destruction of DEI and the woke wars. What you do matters profoundly. Perhaps now more than ever.
Here’s to Standing Strong,
Surale + Laura + Cheryl
DRMTM is your thought partner in helping to solve these issues and more. Let’s talk. Reach out to us at https://scheduler.zoom.us/laura-morse/drmtm-bold-brand-conversations to schedule a conversation.
*We love how VocalEssence captures this perfectly in their messaging:
Mission: VocalEssence draws upon the power of singing together to nurture community, inspire creativity, affirm the value of all persons, and expand the influence of choral music.
As a professional choral organization, we live our values in order to:
- Bridge societal difference,
- Remain open to continuous learning,
- Celebrate singing as an essential human expression
For more, see VocalEssence Who We Are.