Fort Worth Opera recently hosted a panel discussion on the intersection of race, equity, and the arts. Here’s what you need to know about the event and its significance.
The panel, titled “It’s Everybody’s Work: Race, Equity, and the Arts,” brought together artists, educators, and community leaders to discuss the role of the arts in promoting social justice and equity. Topics covered included the lack of diversity in the arts industry, the impact of systemic racism on artistic expression, and strategies for creating more inclusive and equitable arts spaces.
Among the panelists were soprano and arts educator J’nai Bridges, playwright and performer Regina Taylor, and Fort Worth Opera’s general director, Afton Battle. The panel was moderated by WBUR’s arts and culture reporter, Andrea Shea.
The event was part of Fort Worth Opera’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and equity in the arts. The company has recently launched a number of initiatives aimed at increasing representation of underrepresented artists and communities, including its “Opera of Color” program and its partnership with the Latino Cultural Center.
The panel discussion was an opportunity for members of the arts community and the public to engage in meaningful dialogue about the role of the arts in promoting social justice and equity. By raising awareness of these issues and highlighting strategies for creating more inclusive and equitable arts spaces, the event serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the arts in building a more just and equitable society.
