Thesis
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in foundation funding for arts and culture: foundation statements and grantee perspectives
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Dec 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/k2hv-0503
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the current discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in foundation funding for arts and culture. It looks at both the foundation and grantee perspective, considering the power dynamics between the two. To analyze the foundation perspective, I conducted a discourse analysis of the DEI statements of forty-two well-known foundations to reveal common language, patterns, and themes. For the grantee perspective, I interviewed nine individuals from diverse arts and culture organizations. The resulting comparison shed light on some of the complexities, nuances, and challenges of putting DEI theory into practice within foundation funding for arts and culture. This thesis shows that there is great variability in foundation DEI statements as well as grantee perspectives on the state of DEI in foundation funding for arts and culture. Despite this variability, there are distinct trends in how a foundation's budget size, structure, and choice of DEI statement type impact its approach to DEI. The interviews revealed that DEI statements are not universally effective as tools for conveying foundations' values. I conclude with a discussion of how foundations can fix the common mistakes they make when trying to support DEI in arts and culture. I also suggest ways in which foundations can make their DEI statements more impactful.
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Details
- Title
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in foundation funding for arts and culture
- Creators
- Morgan Williams - DU
- Contributors
- Andrew Zitcer (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- iv, 141 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 8829; 991014632613904721