Diversity Statement &
Land Acknowledgment

Diversity Statement 

The Stanislaus Arts Council believes that the arts are a powerful force for connection, expression, and community transformation. We are committed to fostering a creative ecosystem that reflects and uplifts the full diversity of Stanislaus County. 

We affirm that diversity includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, culture, language, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic background, and lived experience. We recognize that equitable access to the arts has not always been available to all communities, and we are dedicated to addressing these disparities through intentional action. 

We commit to advancing equity by: 

● Expanding access to arts programs, funding, and opportunities for historically underrepresented and underserved communities 

● Supporting artists and cultural practitioners whose voices and stories have been marginalized 

● Building inclusive partnerships that reflect the diversity of our region 

● Ensuring our leadership, decision-making processes, and programming are guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and representation 

We believe inclusion is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing practice. We will continue to listen, learn, and evolve—holding ourselves accountable to the communities we serve. 

Through this commitment, the Stanislaus Arts Council strives to create a vibrant, equitable arts landscape where all people feel seen, valued, and empowered to participate.

Land Acknowledgement:

The Stanislaus Arts Council acknowledges that we are gathered on the unceded land of the Yokuts and Sierra Miwok peoples. We also acknowledge that this land was founded upon exclusions and erasures of many indigenous peoples. This acknowledgment is to honor and respect the original stewards of this land and demonstrates our commitment to beginning the process of working to dismantle the ongoing legacies of settler colonialism.