Citizenship

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access at the Center

The AT&T Performing Arts Center commits to serving as a place of inclusion, diversity, and equity for our staff, artists, community and beyond. We commit to listening to each other, learning from each other, and taking a stand for what we know is right, so that all people feel valued, respected, and safe.

In line with the Center’s commitment to social justice, this year’s Virtual Stages selections highlight artists of color and provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful conversations about racial equity. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, all programs are offered at no cost to public schools. Explore our Virtual Stages program here.

The Center’s program ArtsBridge – Powered by Toyota works to engage the West Dallas community through the arts. Part of that involved the Wild West Mural Fest. The Center commissioned a talented local artist, Desireé Vaniecia to create her work, “Black Beauty is an Act of Resistance” which addresses themes of social justice and racial equity. We spoke with her about her approach to her work and the mural she did for the Center. Read the full article here. The mural is located on Sylvan Ave in West Dallas, between Singleton and Commerce St. Be sure to check it out!

The AT&T Performing Arts Center and The New Orleans Original Buckshop came together to present the first Brass and Jazz in the Park in West Dallas. This free, family-friendly event at Jaycee Zaragoza Park welcomed hundreds of people and featured eight different jazz bands, Black Mardi Gras Indians, Afro Brazilian Martial Arts, Louisiana cuisine, family art activities and an epic New Orleans Second Line that had everyone up on their feet and dancing. Brass and Jazz in the Park is a project of ArtsBridge – Powered by Toyota.

The Center has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs. Learn more HERE

One of the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s five esteemed resident companies is the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico. The dance company, noted for their colorful flowing costumes and precision foot work, was founded by Anita Martinez in 1975. Ms. Martinez’s impact goes beyond her famous company. She is a fifth generation Texan, and was the first Hispanic ever elected to the Dallas City Council. Read more about her many contributions to Dallas here.

The Center’s YouTube channel, AT&TPAC@HOME, features a variety of multicultural experiences which celebrate the rich diversity of our city. From Salsa and Indian classical dance to bilingual art making and storytelling, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Join the fun from the comfort of your home!

Everyone deserves to experience the power and wonder of the arts. That’s why the Center partners with key community groups to distribute tickets to individuals and families who face challenging circumstances or have little to no access to the performing arts. Find out more about our Community Partners program here.

The Center recognizes the tremendous amount of work to be done to build true equity and fight systemic racism, in both our institutions and our community. By educating ourselves individually and collectively, we can be a part of the solution together.

Online Resources
https://www.apap365.org/Resources/Anti-Racism
https://blacklivesmatter.com/
http://www.compassionatedfw.org/social-justice/
https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist
https://socialjusticebooks.org/booklists/
https://stopaapihate.org/
https://asiasociety.org/education/understanding-our-perceptions-asian-americans