Place, Arts and Cultural Systems Lab

The Place, Arts and Cultural Systems Lab investigates how arts and cultural districts (ACDs) support diversity, equity, and inclusion using a national survey and case studies in the Intermountain West and Midwest. ACDs are widespread: it is important to understand barriers to and best practices for making those districts inclusive, equitable, and drivers of economic and social innovation. The Place, Arts and Cultural Systems Lab will both learn from and serve ACD organizations and neighbors by creating a typology and national public database of ACD characteristics; using the database to analyze patterns of DEI practice; identifying good practices for different district types, geographies, and capacities; and developing and sharing a flexible ACD toolkit for communities with a range of resources and needs.