Equity Statement
The Dallas Opera believes that we have an obligation to be more reflective of our communities and that
the art form, the industry, and the city gain from diversity, equity and inclusion.
Equity: The Dallas Opera is committed to creating an equitable culture among its staff and board, and
across all its programs. The organization will work with its members to implement fair policies and
practices that create working environments free of prejudice, discrimination, and misogyny, and that
respect and inspire all people equally. Equity means fairness for all, regardless of race, ethnicity,
national origin, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religion, age, or disability status.
Diversity: Different perspectives, cultural histories, life experiences, and personal stories enrich the
style, scale, and subject of new works and the interpretations of the inherited repertoire, as well as
stimulate innovation at the organizational level. Diversity and gender parity recognize the richness of
our varied identities and experiences and affirm their contribution to our art form and the communities
we serve.
Inclusion: Leadership at The Dallas Opera has begun to examine the attitudes, behaviors, and barriers
that underlie the art form's exclusive traditions, while exploring ways to weave new connections into the
mosaic of contemporary American life. As we strive to establish mutually beneficial relationships with
other arts and non-arts organizations in our surrounding communities, newcomers to opera will be
introduced to the art form in a variety of settings and will be welcomed and valued as contributors to
programming and organizational decision-making. Inclusion goes beyond numerical diversity to ensure
authentic representation, empowered participation, and a true sense of belonging.