In June 2021, ACA coined the term "Equitable Capacity" and launched the Equitable Capacity Workshops (ECW), as part of our commitment to fostering fair, just, and inclusive artist residencies. ECW are three-hour intensive sessions that provide practical tools and strategies for residency staff, leadership, and board members to develop and implement equitable policies, processes, and practices within their organizations.
Designed with a trauma-informed approach, ECW address key areas of equity, including artist outreach and selection, accessibility for disabled artists, and equitable engagement in rural contexts. Participants take part in interactive discussions, assessments, and action planning, ensuring that they can immediately apply these insights within their residency programs.
The workshops align with ACA’s Five Pillars of a Healthy Residency, a framework guiding organizations in assessing and strengthening their identity, program design, operations, resource development, and stewardship. By using this adaptable structure, residencies gained clear pathways for improving inclusivity and sustainability in their programming.
Open to both ACA members and non-members, ECW help expand access to equity-building resources across the residency field. Through this initiative, ACA reinforces its commitment to ensuring that all artist residencies are equipped to cultivate environments where artists and staff can thrive, advancing long-term structural change and equitable capacity across the sector.