The City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division and Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission adopted a Cultural Equity Statement which was received by the City Council of West Hollywood at its meeting on April 5, 2021.

The right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community and enjoy the arts is recognized globally as a basic human right, as noted in Article 27 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. At its 86th annual meeting in 2018, the United States Conference of Mayors passed a resolution supporting cultural equity noting that “cities that adopt policies and practices of cultural equity are shown to empower people to create... more just, inclusive, equitable cities and support for a full creative life for all.” Furthermore, “arts and culture have the power to enhance diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and contribute to positive outcomes across dimensions of civic life in the human, community, and economic development” as noted in the LA County Cultural Equity Policy, adopted in June 2020.

City of West Hollywood staff began preparations for cultural equity training and the development of a Cultural Equity Statement with the City’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission in mid 2019. The 2020-2021 work plan for the Commission included the development of a Cultural Equity Statement. In spring 2020, the City partnered with The Aspire Group, arts and equity consultants who have worked with many municipalities and arts organizations, to provide training and guidance in the development of the statement. The creation and drafting of the Cultural Equity Statement took place over a seven-month period and community members provided public input and feedback regarding the formation of the statement, which was adopted on February 25, 2021. There were additional changes which were adopted on September 22, 2022.

The City of West Hollywood Arts Division and Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission Cultural Equity Statement is as follows:

"The City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division and Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission believe that all people in the City of West Hollywood have the right to celebrate and engage in meaningful and relevant arts and cultural experiences. Each member of the community should have access to the arts which reflect and nurture individual identities, affirm personal value, and foster belonging in the community. Arts and culture are foundational to quality of life and vibrant and resilient communities. Arts and culture have the power to enhance inclusion, engagement, and diversity, and contribute to positive outcomes across civic life. The right to participate freely in the cultural life of the community is recognized as a basic human right.

We aspire to ensure cultural equity in all arts policies and practices, including equity for both artists and audiences. West Hollywood has a long history of supporting art that uplifts diverse artists and audiences. To implement the principles of this statement, the Division and Commission will:

  • Advocate for equitable outreach and engagement resources to intentionally support and serve diverse populations.
  • Actively seek out opportunities to acknowledge past exclusions and change perceptions by being mindful of ways to encourage participation of artists and audiences from groups who have experienced prejudice in the past.
  • Reflect on and take action to address and correct any implicit biases that may lead to preferences for one artist or artform over another.
  • Provide equity and access through systemic change that will remove barriers, thus improving access, empowerment and representation in the development and distribution of arts policies and resources to diverse communities and individuals.
  • Remain accountable through ongoing evaluation and review of the effectiveness of cultural equity practices and procedures and by making public the results of cultural equity audits.

The Arts Division and Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission commit to using this statement to inform policies, partnerships, and programs.

The City of West Hollywood's official definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (adopted under Admin Reg 118 on July 21, 2021) are:

DIVERSITY: The presence and acknowledgement of differences within a group of people in a given setting that may include race, physical appearance, skin color, hair style, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental and physical health status, ethnicity, immigration status, national origin, language, religious identity, parental status, marital status, geography, social class, housing status, or educational status.

EQUITY: The act of developing and advancing fair and just outcomes in systems, procedures, practices, policies, and distribution of resources to minimize harm and create equitable opportunity and advancement for all people. Equity is distinct from equality, which refers to everyone receiving the same treatment without accounting for differing needs or circumstances. Equity is viewed from three perspectives: individual, institutional, and structural. Equitable outcomes focus on identifying, understanding, and eliminating the root harm, biases, disadvantages, and barriers that prevent the full participation of historically and currently oppressed individuals and groups.

INCLUSION: The act of creating environments in which any individual, group, or community can fully participate in the decision-making processes and be welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Inclusion is not a natural consequence of diversity. An inclusive climate embraces differences and offers respect and prospects for growth in words, actions, and preparations to meet all people where they are. It is created through progressive and consistent actions to expand, include, and share.

**The Arts Division and Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission understand that implementing art and funding programs can raise complicated legal issues and consultation with the City Attorney’s office may be necessary before making final decisions based on this statement."

For additional information about the City of West Hollywood’s Cultural Equity Statement, please contact Mike Che, the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Coordinator, at (323) 848-6377 or mche@weho.org.