FAQ. | DEIAB for the Arts

Frequently Asked Questions.

FAQs about DEIAB, its place in the performing arts, and more. Most of these FAQs will be about how verbiage works for promotional materials and other best practices. While some questions are easily answered, others are not and are heavily debated. Questions of ambiguous solutions will be addressed to approach both "sides" of the conversation.

Feedback can present a unique obstacle because it involves critiques or suggestions. It can feel very personal to be critiqued on issues relating to DEIAB because of the heavy nature of the topic. However, establishing feedback loops to help improve your space or organization's DEIAB practices is vital to creating authentic, meaningful experiences.

How can my organization create feedback loops from the community on our DEIAB practices?

There are several ways to receive feedback on your organization or venue's DEIAB practices. While it is possible to follow only one route of feedback, it is heavily suggested that you implement multiple routes for feedback. A few ways to ask for and receive feedback can include:

Host TalkBacks or Town Halls after performances in which audience members are invited to give their opinions
Create an advisory board that provides feedback and editorial advice to your organization or venue's team/staff
Offer a Suggestions Box that audience members can submit
Collaborate with local organizations that focus on DEIAB and ask them to review your practices

How can I respond to feedback?

As I mentioned earlier, feedback about your organization's DEIAB efforts may feel like personal attacks, whether that patron is pushing for or even against inclusivity and accessibility. But being able to respond to, evaluate, and potentially implement that feedback is incredibly important. Listening and understanding where people are coming from is the most important aspect of receiving feedback- people would rather see your organization succeed than fail. So listen, avoid becoming overly defensive, and see what great ideas or suggestions could help your organization grow.

There are many great resources on feedback, but some notable sources include the following:

DEIAB stands for:

Diversity

Equity

Inclusivity

Accessibility

Belonging

By fostering an environment in which patrons are welcome and accepted, the arts become a space of productive conversation and growth. It is important to promote art spaces or venues because, when audiences feel they have been treated with inclusivity and belonging, they can become loyal customers and outspoken advocates for the organization or venue.

Person-First Language and Identity-First Language are hot topics in various communities. While some prefer person-first language, others oppose this sort of phrasing and opt for Identity-First Language, such as those in the Deaf community. Person-First phrasing utilizes a personal noun such as "person," "woman," "child," etc. followed by a descriptor. While some prefer this method of address because it gives them autonomy and personhood rather than a victim mentality, others believe in Identity-First Language. This type of phrasing is preferred by some because it is a trait essential to their personality and background, and therefore do not mind being referred to as a person after their identity is stated.

While this may seem a lot to grasp, especially with a mixed bag of responses, it is important to research whether your patrons or community would prefer Person-First or Identity-First Language. Below are a few sources for reference:

Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion: Person-First and Identity-First Language (2023)

National Institutes of Health: Writing Respectfully- Person-First and Identity-First Language (2023)

Massachusettes Advocates for Children: Ask a Self-Advocate- The Pros and Cons of Person-First and Identity-First Language (2021)

Accessibility.com, Linda Sanabria: Is Person-First Language Always the Best Choice? (2022)

Simply communicating to audiences how a show is inclusive and accessible does not automatically make it inclusive and accessible. DEIAB in the performing arts or general arts extends to all corners of production, casting, costuming, dramaturgy, ticket pricing, and more. It is important that if you prioritize making your spaces or events inclusive, you extend this attitude to the treatment of all guests, performers, and staff.

From choosing a show that provides value and meaning by encompassing a wide range of perspectives and experiences to casting and producing shows with intentionality and without tokenizing actors, staff, or experiences.

Because there are so many considerations outside of communicating DEIAB to patrons, here are some great sources for learning how to ensure your venue, organization, and performances/events are inclusive and accessible:

Antiracist Theatre

-Accountability Checklist

-Layola Marymount College