DEI Statement

Three Priorities for the Arts

One of the fundamental qualities of nature is its unified diversity, interconnectedness, and multi-stratified systems of balance. The big bang theory is a scientific theory of creation suggesting that all things are interconnected and made of the same substance. Resonance occurs when the reinforcement or prolongation of sound occurs by reflection from a synchronous vibration of a neighboring object. Harmonious vibrational series (or overtone series) are the result of “family” frequencies forming chords of related partials that vibrate simultaneously when a fundamental “parent” tone reverberates. Thus, interconnectedness in nature results within many vibrating systems and objects found within existence that have a brand of self-similarity involved where small pieces of them (for example, clouds, waves, ferns, etc.) look similar to the whole series of fractal-like objects.

Therefore diversity, equity, and inclusion reflect nature’s tendency toward biodiversity, evolutionary creative process, and unifying vibratory relationships that invigorate vital ecosystem functions and the arts personify nature’s pressive tendencies. That is in stark contrast to the disruptions, confusion, and destruction often provoked by the irrational coercion systems aimed only at domination. At its best creative collaboration reflects resonance, harmonic and rhythmic unity, as well as tendency towards ingenuity. In social dynamics contemplating creatively about diversity, equity, and inclusion can help steer communities toward share resources and services across society with a sense of responsibility, sustainable progress, and mutually beneficial purposes that ensure impartial treatment for all global citizens.

Despite decades of legal and social reform aimed at reducing discrimination, bigotry, and exclusion on campuses, inequality remains a significant problem. To achieve meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion we have to begin by asking ourselves fundamental questions within each of our departments and programs.  How will we begin changing this problematic set of debilitating issues at this particular point in time and with a sense of urgency?  What achievable goals are required initially to support efforts directed toward promoting greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in our campus’ future? How might we activate, multiply, and fortify diversity pipelines in order to meet and sustain the DEI goals toward which we aspire? How do we create a process of ongoing assessment that assures that DEI plans created maintain their precise goals, directions, and timelines? How will we identify the perceptual, tangible, and psychological processes in our environment that incessantly impact the way individuals interact with People of Color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and those who are demographically dissimilar from them? The Arts Division has initiated departmental plans to accomplish such goals and aspirations.

DEI Statements by Department

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Summary

Both the struggles and silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed global citizens’ lives, outlooks, and relationships over the past two years. In some ways it has fostered important new ways for self-assessment and understanding in the arts and DEI awareness is one such outcome. DEI focus should certainly be directed towards diverse representation and not simply on diversity of thought. Those in a community who don’t see their identities reflected in their social environment feel a lower sense of belonging, and that leads to higher frustration and lower productivity. The UCSC Arts sees DEI cultivation as is a new frontier that leads to a wellspring of creativity, contentment, enhancement of general prosperity, and the production of increased artistic innovation. Therefore, we aspire to develop a pervasive level of consciousness within the Arts Division that elevates us to a position of becoming a model of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the 21st century.