CULTURAL EQUITY & INCLUSION POLICY:
Los Angeles Performance Practice was founded in 2010 as a producing entity to support two artist-driven theater projects that centered on reciprocal international exchange. The organization has developed organically to fill the gaps in creative infrastructure identified by independent artists working in contemporary performance, with programs being designed in direct response to artists’ stated needs. The organization gained 501c3 non-profit status in 2015, and is devoted to the production and presentation of contemporary performance by artists whose work advances and challenges multi-disciplinary artistic forms.
Our offices and regularly rented venues are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Chumash, Tongva, and Kizh nations. We are grateful to be here and recognize our privileged position on these lands.
We are committed to developing practices that counter institutional systems of oppression in performance making, including the undervaluing of creative and artistic labor. We do this by prioritizing equity and inclusion in collaborative environments, and advocating for an expansion of resources and opportunities available to independent artists. We value diversity of perspective, and seek to work with a network of artists that demonstrate diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, age, ability, and cultural heritage. We are especially committed to uplifting work by woman-identifying, genderqueer, nonbinary, and BIPOC artists in Los Angeles who simultaneously participate in both local and global dialogues, but who may be under-supported by major arts institutions in Los Angeles.
To further our goal of working with and providing support to a diverse range of performance makers, we are prioritizing and expanding artist services programs, including free consultation sessions, creative and administrative workshops for artists, and opportunities to propose and share new works in development.
PROGRAMS
- Local programs will be available and accessible to artists wishing to participate.
- Participation in local programs will be free or low cost to all artists.
- Accommodations will be made for artists who cannot afford minimal workshop fees or event tickets, upon request, and instructions for requesting accommodations will be clearly posted on each individual event site as well as on our general website.
- Communication regarding artist opportunities will be publicly posted at all times, and will be distributed through external partners whenever possible.
- Program goals and design will be rooted in an analysis of equity analysis.
PROJECT & ARTIST SELECTION
- Local performance platforms will be curated by at least two individuals, preventing unilateral decision making.
- Cultural equity, inclusion, and representation will be actively considered when making project, artist, or casting selections.
- Presentation platforms, including annual LAX Festival programming, will prioritize work made by women, BIPOC, and/or other traditionally marginalized communities who may not otherwise have ready access to local presentation opportunities.
ARTIST PRESENTATION & COMPENSATION
- Whether in rehearsal or presentation, artists participating in active production or performance will receive a minimum compensation of $20 per hour.
- Childcare will be offered when requested, whenever possible, for participating artists who are parents or in care of a child.
STAFF & HIRING PROCESS
- All open positions will be publicly posted before a hiring decision is made, including regular staff, temporary staff, and interns.
- All staff employed longer than 6 months must complete training in undoing racism or anti-racism training.
- All staff will continue their education and analysis building in equity throughout their time of employment by engaging in additional training, literature reviews, and staff discussions especially staying updated on any national and local conversations regarding equity initiatives in the arts and culture sector.