The AFA believes in the full and equal participation of all Albertans:
- in the arts
- through the arts
In the arts means encouraging artists, arts organizations, and audiences to participate through inclusive access to opportunities and resources in the arts sector.
Through the arts refers to connecting with Albertans through art to enable dialogue, promote a sense of trust and belonging, and pave the way for innovation, vibrancy, and meaningful structural changes.
This work is guided by the AFA’s Pluralism policy.
What does the policy do?
The policy guides the AFA’s process for making decisions. It encourages the AFA to avoid bias by applying different lenses and perspectives on any question or issue.
How can the AFA encourage greater access to the arts across Alberta?
- How can the AFA increase accessibility to its programs and services?
- What barriers are preventing participation, either in the arts in general or with the AFA specifically?
How can the AFA support a greater sense of belonging among artists and audiences, no matter where they come from, who they are, or where they live in our province?
- How can the AFA help ensure that everyone and anyone is welcome to the arts and to artistic practice in Alberta?
- How can the AFA ensure that its decisions are based on merit and good practices, and remain unaffected by anything an artist cannot change about themselves?
How can the AFA ensure it is connected to communities and its decisions are reflective of different communities’ values and perspectives?
- How can the AFA make its programs and services more welcoming to different communities of artists?
- How can the AFA establish and nurture new connections and, in turn, have those connections inform the AFA’s actions to increase access and belonging?
The policy helps guide all AFA decision-makers – board, staff or expert panels – to think more deeply about these and other considerations.
- download and read the policy
What is pluralism?
Pluralism is defined as recognizing, respecting and valuing difference. Watch a short video explainer about pluralism:
- Watch version with ASL interpretation and captions
- Watch version with audio description
What's New?
Watch this space to learn about new initiatives and/or any changes to AFA programs and services.
The AFA is pleased to confirm it will extend and expand the Community Connectors pilot project for 2025-26. Learn more about the program and the most recent Connectors that participated in the program this year, and watch this space for further announcements: