Equity in Every Note

At EMERGE Coalition Inc., we believe that contemporary arts and creative expression have the power to transform lives, foster connection across difference, and challenge existing boundaries. Guided by our mission to foster, develop, and engage in the arts community, we commit to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our organization - our artistic programming, our educational outreach, our collaborative partnerships and our internal practices.

Our Principles of Bridging Communities Through Creativity

  • We value the rich tapestry of identities, experiences, and cultural traditions that each individual brings to the creative process. We celebrate difference—including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, socio-economic background, and life experience—as essential to the vitality and relevance of our work.

    Through our concerts, workshops, residency models, and community outreach initiatives, we seek to amplify voices and perspectives that have historically been underrepresented in classical and contemporary music.

  • We acknowledge that true access in the arts requires more than equal opportunity—it demands attention to structural and systemic barriers that prevent full participation. We are committed to creating pathways for emerging composers, young artists, and community participants who may lack traditional support or resources.

    Programs such as our University/Conservatory residency and Virtual Workshop & Performance reflect our dedication to leveling the playing field and equipping talent with skills, mentorship, and visibility.

  • We strive to ensure that every person we engage with - artist, audience member, student, staff, or volunteer - feels welcomed, respected, and valued. Inclusion means intentionally designing our environment, programs, communication, and spaces so that diverse participants can fully engage, contribute, and thrive.

    Belonging means moving beyond mere representation and cultivating a culture in which all voices matter, and all are encouraged to participate authentically.

Action & Continuous Growth

DEI is not a one-time initiative; it is a sustained practice of reflection, action, accountability, and growth. As an organization committed to innovation and transformation through contemporary arts (not just preservation), we continuously review our programming, partnerships, and internal practices to ensure alignment with our DEI values. We welcome feedback, engage in learning, and strive to remove barriers so that our work remains responsive and inclusive.

Community & Collaboration

Our work is rooted in partnership with artists, communities, educational institutions, and cultural organizations. We recognize that meaningful inclusion occurs when we engage in dialogue with diverse communities, listen to their needs and aspirations, and co-create programs that reflect shared purpose and mutual respect. We commit to seeking out, engaging, and partnering with communities and artists who bring perspectives that enrich our collective experience and expand our reach.

Artistic Excellence meets Social Relevance

At EMERGE, we believe that artistic excellence and social relevance are inseparable. Our programming intentionally connects visual and performing arts with social, historical, and cultural contexts, challenging audiences and inviting participation across communities.

In doing so, we make space for voices from across the spectrum that honor the transformational power of art to bridge divides and promote understanding