"Black voices and Black stories have contributed to the successes of American culture. However, they have not always been celebrated, they have been appropriated, minimized and silenced. Omaha Performing Arts stands in solidarity with its Black artists. Throughout our 2020/2021 season we will highlight, educate and engage local and national artists. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion through the performing arts." - Gennean Scott, VP of Human Capital and Inclusion
O-pa's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Strategic Plan
For more than five years O-pa has undertaken numerous programs and activities designed to create a more diverse environment and foster an inclusive culture. We created and continue to update an IDEA strategic plan, focusing on both internal and external actions to benefit our workforce, patrons, artists and people throughout the communities we serve. Initiated in 2017 with a mission to build and leverage a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce and workplace, here is a brief overview highlighting key initiatives bringing IDEA to life every day in our organization:
- Improve the representation of people of color at all levels of the organization.
- Promote fair and equitable practices.
- Create an inclusive work environment that fosters creativity and innovation.
- Engage external stakeholders to further promote O-pa values and common goals.
- Hold leadership and staff accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
Full IDEA Summary 2021
Administrative Recruitment
Team, Trust, Integrity and Inclusion are core values at O-pa and it informs our recruitment, hiring, and personnel practices. We work with diverse professional organizations to ensure we have a pool of candidates offering a variety of skills and backgrounds. As a result of these efforts O-pa BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) demographics exceed local, state and national percentages, and O-pa was recognized by the Human Resource Association of the Midlands for our diversity and inclusion initiatives, implementation, and successes.
Staff Training and Development
Since 2018, we have conducted numerous local and national training programs and staff activities designed to educate and appreciate how a diverse workforce and inclusive culture benefits our organization and our work. These sessions are ongoing throughout the year.
Accessibility
A dedicated O-pa staff IDEA sub-committee regularly audits the venues, services, technology and communications to ensure patrons and employees with disabilities have a positive experience at our facilities.
Programming, Education and Community Engagement
O-pa has consistently offered a wide variety of artists and performances attracting diverse populations throughout the area. Our education and community engagement programs have reached more than 100,000 students and adults across Nebraska and Iowa across all demographics.
- Voices AMPLIFIED ! is a multidisciplinary arts and social justice initiative offers season-long performances, events and discussions focused on social service issues in areas such as food, health and education.
Voices AMPLIFIED!
- Community Resource Group – This is a new program in development that will provide resources and support to employees and patrons regarding a variety of community issues.
Community Recognition
The HRAM (Human Resource Association of the Midlands) Ideal Award for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, Leadership (IDEAL) recognizes Omaha companies and organizations for their diversity and inclusion initiatives, research, implementation, and successes at all levels. In 2020, O-pa was named as one of three local organizations that exemplified a dedication to diversity and inclusion efforts. The award specifically recognized O-pa’s ongoing commitment to implementing our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility policies.
Get Involved with our Community
Use your voice and make a difference in our community and across the nation. Find out how O-pa is inviting community voices to shape our culture.