Making Meaningful Connections: Characteristics of arts groups that engage new and diverse participants

This report offers an initial framework of key organizational characteristics for cultural institutions that are genuinely engaging participants who reflect their communities' changing demographics.

Written by Holly Sidford, Alexis Frasz and Marcelle Hinand for the Jame Irvine Foundation.

"Successfully creating meaningful and sustainable relationships with diverse participants is not unlike making new friends. It takes intention, curiosity, flexibility and time. It also takes realizing that we can’t make new friends without being changed by the experience."

Explore the Resource

Building relationships

Connecting with your community

Inclusion

Working with artists & community