At Hawai’i Performing Arts Festival, we recognize that for too long the performing arts world has limited the opportunities available for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We acknowledge that systemic racism, casual racism, and implicit bias have all contributed to minimizing the voices, contributions, and achievements of BIPOC artists. We pledge to do our part to dismantle these inequities and amplify the voices that have been silenced too long.
Starting this season, HPAF will waive audition fees for BIPOC artists to help broaden and diversify our casting pool. We will earmark a percentage of scholarship funds specifically for BIPOC artists. We will partner with area organizations to bring local Native Hawaiian youth to the final dress for each of our mainstage performances. We will continue to prioritize diversifying our faculty, staff, and interns. We realize the power of representation, and we commit to doing our part to increase the visibility of BIPOC artists in all aspects of performing arts, both onstage and behind the scenes.
Above all, we will listen and learn. We will pay attention to our BIPOC artists and change our course as needed to be better allies. We will speak out as individuals and as an organization when we encounter racism. We stand with you.
