Equity
AO is committed to creating an equitable culture among its staff and board, and across all its operations. AO works to implement fair policies and practices that create working environments free of prejudice, discrimination and misogyny, and that respect and inspire all people equally. Equity means fairness and opportunity for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religion, age or disability status.
Diversity
Different perspectives, cultural histories, life experiences and personal stories enrich the style, scale and subject of new works and the interpretations of the inherited repertoire, as well as stimulate innovation at the organizational level. Diversity and gender parity recognize the richness of our varied identities and experiences and affirm their contribution to our art form and the community we serve.
Inclusion
AO has begun to examine the attitudes, behaviors and barriers that underlie certain operatic traditions, while exploring ways to weave new connections into the mosaic of contemporary American life. As AO strives to establish mutually beneficial relationships with other arts and non-arts organizations in our community, newcomers to opera will be introduced to the art form in a variety of settings and will be welcomed and valued as contributors to programming and organizational decision-making. Expanding inclusion is not merely quantitative, but qualitative, to ensure diverse representation, empowered participation and a true sense of belonging.