Understanding The Impact Of Diversity, Equity, and, Inclusion On Artistic Programming Decisions At Nonprofit Arts Organizations

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Organization Development & Change (D.O.D.C.)

Department

Organization Development

First Advisor

Deborah O'Neil (Committee Chair)

Second Advisor

Lubomir Popov (Other)

Third Advisor

Truit Gray (Committee Member)

Fourth Advisor

Margaret Brooks (Committee Member)

Abstract

Research has established a case for the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in arts organizations. Achievements in DEI "…will allow arts organizations to engage their entire communities on multiple levels. Arts organizations will benefit from utilizing new perspectives on chronic challenges that have plagued the arts." (Cuyler, 2013) Additionally, we know that there is a relationship between racial and ethnic diversity and better financial performance. "Companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians." (Hunt et al., 2015). While there is some research on the effectiveness of DEI initiatives, there is little research on how commitments to DEI have impacted the artistic programming choices of artistic directors in arts organizations. With over ten years of experience in artistic programming, I am invested in examining how DEI is presented in artistic programming decisions. This grounded theory study explores the artistic programming decision-making process of artistic directors at nonprofit arts organizations in New York City. Through research, I sought to understand DEI's role in the decision-making process of artistic directors and if artistic programming can be used to examine an organization's commitment to DEI. Based on the findings in this study, the Artistic Programming Decision-making Model is presented to explain the role DEI plays in the artistic programming decisions of artistic directors. The emergent model proposes that DEI influences the artistic director's values and experiences, artistic programming philosophies, and leadership role, and these factors impact the artistic programming decision-making process.

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