Not the Master’s Tools

Creating a toolkit for equity in the panel process

Tuesday, October 23, 10:00am – 11:30am

Organized by Emilya Cachapero, director of Artistic and International Programs, Theatre Communications Group; and Tariana Navas-Nieves, director, Cultural Affairs, Denver Arts & Venues.

Moderated by Emilya Cachapero, director of Artistic and International Programs, Theatre Communications Group. Presented by Tariana Navas-Nieves, director, Cultural Affairs, Denver Arts & Venues; Kathy Hsieh, manager, Cultural Partnerships and Grants, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture; Eleanor Savage, program director, Jerome Foundation; Jordan Baylon, manager, Community Investment, Calgary Arts Development; and Moira Brennan, program director, MAP Fund.

What does racial equity really mean in the panel process? How do white cultural norms show up and what are alternatives? How do we balance these interventions for equity with our role as "impartial" facilitators? As inspired by writer/activist Audre Lorde, what new tools do we need? Since the 2017 Conference, a cohort of 12 GIA members from across the country and Canada, have been working together to examine these questions, deepen our understanding of racial equity and its impact on our work as grantmakers, and to create and test interventions. This hands-on working session will combine individual reflection, small group interactions, and full group conversations centered on four areas: 1) disseminating information and the applicant pool; 2) program selection criteria; 3) identifying and training panelists; and 4) the panelists’ experience. By sharing discoveries, experiments, and road blocks, participants will problem-solve peer-to-peer and gain tactical tools for immediate use.