June 2020: Overture’s Statement of Support
Here at Overture, we’re working hard to make sure that our organization is as welcoming, inclusive, and diverse as it can be.
Following the 2014 release of the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families’ Race to Equity Report on the state of racial disparities in Dane County, Overture was inspired to create and implement a rigorous, comprehensive, and measurable plan of action to affirm our commitment to diversity and inclusion in both our programming and within our workplace.
Overture has a responsibility to the community and to our stakeholders to ensure that what we see on the stage is truly a reflection of the society in which we live and the humanity that we share. Thus, with the backing of the Overture Center Foundation (OCF) Board of Directors and Overture Executive Team, we have begun to implement our Racial Equality Initiative.
To that end, Dr. Edward S. Holmes joined the Overture staff in 2016 as Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Since then, Dr. Holmes has conducted deliberate outreach to diverse communities of Madison, and created opportunities for young people to be a part of Overture audiences and engage with artists ranging from Patti LaBelle to Maraca & His Latin Jazz All Stars to Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
“We are just getting started,” said Dr. Holmes. “Using the arts as a catalyst for change isn’t something new, but using the full spectrum of resources of a performing arts center is a major step in promoting the conversation and change needed to create a better future for our young people.”
Diversity and Inclusion Newsletter
This bi-monthly publication is designed to showcase highlights of the exciting and important work Overture is doing to make our organization more inclusive and reflective of our community, including both past and upcoming special events, programming, staff, volunteers and community partners. You can view the newsletter via the link below:
Race to Equity funding provided by: Altria, Cummings Christensen Family Foundation, Carl & Mary Gulbrandsen, Philip & Helen Bradbury, Madison Community Foundation, Scherr-Lloyd Fund, Overture Center Foundation Board of Directors and by contributions to Overture Center for the Arts.
For more information on how to support these efforts, contact Ed Holmes, PhD. at eholmes@overture.org.
