Folk Alliance International’s #TheShowMustBePaused statement was a necessary and timely demonstration of support for and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. FAI rejects all forms of discrimination and harassment, and remains committed to the ongoing work of creating a safe and equitable music community for all.
At our Annual General Meeting last January, FAI released a draft Cultural Equity Context document to articulate what has been, and continues to be, a key priority for us. It includes the following statement, adapted from an FAI leadership planning session facilitated by Americans for the Arts:
“to support a full creative life for all, Folk Alliance International commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, and equitable music industry and community”.
FAI’s board and staff are cognizant that words are made meaningful by the actions that surround them. We’re proud to now share two new initiatives designed to engage, inform, and inspire the entire folk community:
- Committing to Conversation – a grassroots engagement initiative envisioned and designed by Lilli Lewis to create and hold space for small scale facilitated conversations about race, cultural equity, and social justice in our community. Those interested in participating or learning more can find information here.
- Cultural Equity Resources Page – a listing of articles, trainings, and self-education resources related to anti-racism
Finally, as a culmination of five years of staff and board training on intersectional social justice, FAI is assembling a Cultural Equity Task Force which will undertake a year-long community engagement process to develop a formal plan that will guide and inform future policies, programs, outreach, and business approaches. A page on our website will be launched later this month with all of the information related to FAI’s cultural equity work for the year ahead.