Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (DEAI) Statement

The Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum, as part of the College of Creative Arts and Miami University, commits to address issues of social justice, racial equity, and promotion of dialogue to share knowledge and celebrate diversity through global visual culture. We aspire to be an institution in which the values of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) are fully present in all that we do. 

What constitutes diversity? We view diversity holistically, understanding that the definition is constantly evolving. Our definition of diversity includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, class, religion, disability, age, military status, visa status, economic status, geographic location, and language/linguistic ability. Diverse and well-reasoned ideas, approaches, and experiences are also essential parts of inclusion and equity.

Commitments: 

1)  People First 

1. Community: Identify underrepresented groups, and develop outreach initiatives to community members to empower them to participate, as well as become members.
2. Personnel: Increase opportunities and identify resources to diversify staff, interns, volunteers, and advisory board members, and support DEAI training.

2) Programming and Outreach

1. Education and Public programs: Engage diverse artists and educators to present in or lead programs and workshops for diverse audiences. 
2. Exhibitions: continue to develop exhibitions featuring diverse artists and/or topics related to DEAI. Continue to integrate and enhance accessibility needs into exhibitions and interpretation.

3) Collections

1. Prioritize collecting visual culture objects which address global diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, anti-racism, and social justice themes. 
2. Raise awareness of collecting practices integrating more artists whose identities and practices reflect upon a variety of disabilities, genders, sexualities, races, and ethnicities.

4) Resources

1. Fundraising and membership: Develop DEAI focused fundraising efforts, including specific budgeting for initiatives such as programs, and initiatives that meet DEAI goals. 
2. Facilities and Operations: Accessibility and inclusivity needs for building to be routinely assessed, and development of safe and welcoming spaces for all.

5) Communication and Evaluation

1. Communications: Strategically create and share DEAI content; raise awareness of DEAI initiatives; Review and update inclusive language into all Art Museum outputs.
2. Evaluation: Review our progress through the museum’s DEAI committee and gather and analyze data on personnel, collections, programs; review and report each year within staff, advisory boards, to members at Annual Meeting, and to CCA.

Published Dec. 12, 2022