inclusion, diversity, equity, and access
SLOMA is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) in all aspects of our work. We have a responsibility to build authentic and affirming relationships with members of every community we serve. We are committed to creating welcoming spaces that foster safety and belonging within our museum and gathering places.
idea statement
INCLUSION
We define Inclusion as the ongoing and intentional work to ensure SLOMA is a welcoming space for visitors, volunteers, artists, and staff of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and cultural beliefs. The mere presence of difference alone does not ensure inclusion; Inclusion requires people to value, respect, and accept diversity.
DIVERSITY
We define Diversity as the representation or the presence of difference (including but not limited to race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, language, culture, national origin, religion, age, (dis)ability status) and value difference/diversity for the positive impact it can make in any organization or community.
EQUITY
We define Equity as promoting fair and just treatment of all community members by identifying and removing structural barriers that have prevented the full participation of historically and currently underrepresented groups. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the underlying or root causes of outcome disparities within our society.
ACCESS
We define Access as the design of programs, products, devices, services, or environments with the goal of meeting the needs of all visitors, volunteers, artists, and staff to ensure full participation in SLOMA programming.
Approved by the Board of Directors May 2022
land acknowledgement
The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) respectfully acknowledges and honors Indigenous communities, including yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe, whose homeland includes the unceded land that was taken from them without consideration, agreement, or compensation. This is the ground on which SLOMA stands.
San Luis Obispo Indigenous history includes pain, devastation, and violence that continues to inform the present and future. SLOMA is committed to building relationships with yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini and Native American peoples through education, arts programming, exhibitions, and community outreach.
We recognize our responsibility as guests of this land to provide a space to gather and to honor the historical and sacred connections to the region.
Approved by the Board of Directors Mar 2023.
The SLOMA staff and board recognize that we have more work to do to meet these IDEA goals. If you have questions, suggestions, or comments about our IDEA initiative, please contact SLOMA’s Executive Director, Leann Standish.
Visit our About page to learn more about SLOMA’s guiding mission, vision, and values.