At Wayzgoose Kitsap, we believe art is a powerful medium for expression, connection, and healing. It has the unique ability to inspire dialogue, foster understanding, and build community. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered.
This is Wayzgoose Kitsap's DEI Statement, as approved and published by the board of directors on February 8, 2025.
Diversity: We honor the rich tapestry of cultures, identities, and experiences within Kitsap County. Our commitment to diversity means actively engaging with artists and audiences from various backgrounds, ensuring that our programming reflects the voices and stories of our entire community. We actively seek to include participants and volunteers from various races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and socio-economic backgrounds. We believe diversity enhances creativity and deepens the bonds of our community.
Equity: We recognize that not everyone has equal access to the arts. Our mission is to break down barriers and create equitable opportunities for participation and representation. We strive to create equitable access to resources and opportunities within our programs and initiatives. We acknowledge systemic barriers and work to dismantle them, ensuring that all voices are heard and have the opportunity to thrive. By prioritizing equity, we enable all community members to benefit from the transformative power of art.
Inclusion: We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all voices feel welcome and valued. Our programs are designed to encourage participation from all members of our community, promoting collaboration and dialogue that enriches our collective creative experience. Our programming, outreach, and partnerships aim to reflect the communities we serve, encouraging collaboration and participation from all. Inclusion in the arts promotes healing, self-expression, and a sense of belonging, which are vital for individual and collective well-being.
Accessibility: We recognize the barriers people with disabilities experience and are committed to facing them together to create solutions. We will adapt our program to create space for everyone to participate, contribute, and shine. We honor the diversity of human ability and experience. True accessibility means designing with care and intention, ensuring that every art-making activity, exhibit, and story we share is inclusive and empowering. By prioritizing access and representation, we strive to build a creative community where all individuals feel respected and included.
We aim to create a vibrant arts community that reflects the spirit of Kitsap County. We believe art can spark meaningful conversations, foster understanding, and drive positive change. This work is ongoing, and we are dedicated to continuous learning and improvement as we strive to be a more inclusive and equitable organization.
Wayzgoose Kitsap is always looking for feedback and engagement from our community - if you or someone you know is interested in helping us to further our mission, vision, and values please reach us at hello@wayzgoosekitsap.com
Wayzgoose Kitsap Artist Policy
Introduction At Wayzgoose Kitsap, we are passionate about the transformative power of art. We aim to create an environment that fosters creativity, inspiration, and community connection. This Artist Policy outlines our principles and expectations for all participating artists to cultivate a respectful, vibrant, and collaborative art community.
1. Commitment to Artistic Integrity We believe art flourishes best when grounded in authenticity and respect. Artists at Wayzgoose Kitsap are encouraged to:
Embrace Originality: Bring their unique visions and voices to their work, promoting artistic authenticity in all forms. Diversity within our creative community means respecting lived experiences and perspectives outside our own.
Respect Fellow Artists: Honor the work, style, and perspective of other artists, recognizing the importance of mutual respect in creative spaces.
Strive for Greatness: Commit to trying their best, regardless of experience level, as we strive for growth and excellence. We do not expect participants to have any prior artistic experience. We will teach and supply the materials and resources needed to all participants.
2. Community Engagement and Collaboration Wayzgoose Kitsap thrives on the energy and contributions of our community. Artists are invited to:
Contribute to a Positive Environment: Approach all interactions with openness and respect, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for fellow artists, participants, and visitors.
Encourage Collaborative Spirit: Seek opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas with others, enriching the collective creative experience.
Involve the Community: Engage with Kitsap County residents, including through workshops, events, or displays, to ensure that art remains a shared experience that reflects the community’s spirit and interests.
3. Artistic Responsibility and Sensitivity Art has the power to impact and resonate deeply. In recognition of this, artists are expected to:
Consider Audience Impact: Be mindful of how their work may be perceived, particularly by those viewing art within a shared public space. We respect the artistic freedom of our participants and support them in exploring any creative direction they choose. We acknowledge that art can sometimes be controversial, and reaffirm our commitment to presenting such work as part of our mission to inspire, challenge, and reflect the full range of human experiences and ideas.
Encourage Thoughtful Expression: Make intentional choices in subject matter and themes, honoring creative freedom while being mindful of varied perspectives. Artists are free to explore any theme, style, or perspective.
Stay Engaged: We ask that participants be open to artist talks, or community discussions to contextualize works that might be provocative or challenging. This approach encourages open dialogue and deepens understanding of complex themes.
4. Continuous Growth and Learning At Wayzgoose Kitsap, we see art as a journey of exploration and improvement. We encourage artists to:
Embrace New Techniques: Stay open to learning and experimenting with artistic methods, tools, and materials they may not have tried or used before.
Seek Constructive Feedback: View feedback from peers and the public as a valuable resource for growth and refinement.
Engage in Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on their work and approach, aligning it with personal goals and Wayzgoose Kitsap’s broader mission to inspire and connect.
Conclusion This Artist Policy is a guiding document that embodies Wayzgoose Kitsap’s values and commitment to a supportive, engaging, and inspiring art community. We invite artists to join us in creating a vibrant artistic environment where creativity flourishes and meaningful connections are made.
Contributors: Jo Roberts, Betsy Hagestedt, Nic Schluter, Glenna Matteson
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