RICHARD L. SCHULTZ
CULTURAL ARTSMANAGER
CITY OF CARLSBAD
By 2044, the United States will be a multiethnic majority country. Throughout history, artists and the arts often arrive ahead of “the next wave” in society. The arts sector has often advocated and subsequently activated greater diversity and inclusion before the rest of society adopted the same tenets. Basically, art influences society by changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time.
Floyd W. Green III, Vice President Community Affairs with Atena, Inc., on ArtsBlog wrote, “Diversity acknowledges and celebrates the differences we all bring to the world. Inclusion is about picking up all of those differences and putting them to work together, and using them to drive designed and desired outcomes. You can’t have a fully integrated strategy unless you have both: diversity and inclusion are critical for success.”
For an excellent local example of diversity and inclusion, look no further than New Village Arts (NVA) and its TEATRO PUEBLO NUEVO, a bilingual and bicultural outreach initiative. Since its inception in 2017, this Latinx-centered program focuses on community outreach events, theatrical productions and performances such Cloud Tectonics by the Oscar-nominated José Rivera, Cuban rueda de casino by EscoRueda and the youth group Sonares de mi Tierra from the House of Panama in Balboa Park. Equally noteworthy are their community partnerships with Mana de North County San Diego, Tierra Caliente Academy of the Arts and the Cal State San Marcos Latinx Center.
NVA’s Executive Artistic Director Kristianne Kurner, recently commented, “We believe everyone has the right to quality artistic experiences. We have created programs for young adults with neurodiversity, seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and a bilingual and multicultural program such as Teatro Pueblo Nuevo. Our diversity is our strength. We feel honored to create adventurous artistic experiences for ALL members of our community.”
The Cultural Arts Office of the City of Carlsbad brings a distinctive array of artists to the community to focus on the importance of diversity and inclusion. This goal is achieved by programming a wide spectrum of genres represented by gifted individuals and dynamic ensembles who embody different approaches, styles and backgrounds. Many of these talented artists utilize their art form as an outlet for their passions. Ultimately, this mixture of perspectives in the arts is important because of its inherent power to enlighten and move people.
For Cultural Arts, diversity is exemplified through inclusive programming with free admission such as Foreign Film Fridays presenting the best of world cinema at the City Library on Dove Lane. Also, on May 23, the all-female band Las Chikas, comprised of some of the most talented female musicians in Los Angeles, will appear onstage at the Schulman Auditorium as part of Front Row Fridays. Salsa never looked and sounded so good as when this group that represents LA’s melting pot of cultures and ethnicity sets the stage on fire. So, be there to catch this spark as we celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness that defines the importance of arts in everyday life!
Editor’s Note: Culture Buzz is a joint effort of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, the Carlsbad Arts Commission and the City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office. This monthly column focuses on sharing the perspective of artists, arts leaders and arts organizations, unified by a shared goal to enhance and expand the role of the arts in our community.