Belonging
YAA’s Commitment to Belonging
Young Artists of America®’s commitment to belonging is a central part of our mission and core values as a performing arts organization. YAA acknowledges that discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, nationality, and ability, are global, societal problems that can not be tolerated. We believe it is our responsibility to educate the next generation of artists and build community and understanding among students, artistic collaborators, and audience members.
As we believe our community is made stronger when we welcome all stories and storytellers, we will intentionally work to create an environment where teaching artists, staff, board, and students are representative of our entire community and feel their voices are welcomed, valued, and heard. We pledge to celebrate varied perspectives, as through our differences, we can empower students and audiences to explore our commonalities.
We will invest resources to develop, organize, and support initiatives that foster belonging. Finally, we recognize that as we listen, reflect, learn, and grow in our understanding of these issues, this statement, and the commitment it represents, will evolve.
In order to build community and understanding among students, artistic collaborators, and audience members, YAA is committed to:
Seeking out and listening to students, faculty, and staff from varied backgrounds, to understand their experiences in our program and learn if they feel their voices are welcomed, valued, and heard.
Prioritizing varied backgrounds and experiences among our board of directors, teaching artists, staff, and students.
Recruiting students from schools in under-resourced communities.
Distributing scholarships to students with limited resources.
Featuring guest performers from schools/programs with students who do not ordinarily have the opportunity to perform at professional venues.
Presenting free concerts in neighborhoods and venues not usually served by performing arts organizations.
As we train the next generation of storytellers, we acknowledge that all stories are important, particularly those that have been marginalized and/or have been since forgotten.
Uncovering and discussing themes about racial, gender, and economic disparity in our chosen material.
Approaching repertoire in ways that explore humanity by challenging norms, values, and traditional narratives.
Holding everyone at YAA— teaching artists, staff, board, and students— accountable to reflect the goals of this Commitment to Belonging through their actions and words, beginning with restorative justice, alleviating harm, and promoting healing.
If you’d like to learn more, start a dialogue, or suggest other ways YAA can meet our promise, please reach out.