Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The arts are a powerful vehicle for social change. As an institution, we are committed to supporting and promoting arts research, pedagogy, and cultural production that foster social justice and address historic and systemic inequities. We are committed to supporting projects that address the many critical environmental, human, economic, and cultural crises of today, including mass incarceration, racial and gender violence, economic disparity, climate chaos, displacement, gentrification, and more. Through our programs, we aim to change the status quo, inspire honest and rigorous reflection, and ensure a diversity of voices, subjects, and perspectives.

Equity and Innovation grant program

ARI Equity and Innovation Grants are available to students, faculty, and staff, and are meant to encourage new and sustainable ways to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity within the Arts Division and across campus. We are interested in projects that utilize the arts to address issue(s) related to campus climate, equity, racial justice, sense of belonging and/or inclusion within a program, department, population, or across the division or campus. We are especially interested in proposals that are generated by and include the perspectives of students, faculty and staff impacted by historic and systemic inequities. Award amounts will range from $500-$5,000 depending on the scope and potential impact of the project.

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ARI Graduate Student Fellows: Professional Development Program

The Arts Research Institute’s prestigious Graduate Fellows program offers professional and creative development in partnership with Strategic Planning Partners (SPP), the firm that created the professional development program for Creative Capital. This year-long program consists of 5 professional development workshops with the Strategic Planning Partners team – artists and arts professionals who share practical tips and tools, case studies, and personal examples from their own experience, providing tools and strategies needed to grow and maintain a successful artistic career.

ARI Fellows are paired with one of the mentors from Strategic Planning Partners (which may include Daniel Alexander Jones, Ela Troyano, Dread Scott, Beverly McIver, Nicol Hammond, Molly Surno, and more) who are available for individual consultation and mentoring up to twice per month throughout the academic year. Participation in the 5 core workshops and attendance at 4 of the events in the diversity speaker series is required. Fellows may apply for up to $5,000 of summer research funding. Applications for the Fellows program are available each Fall.

This program is funded by a UC Hispanic Serving Institution Doctoral Diversity grant.