1. Destabilize white supremacy in our art, imaginations, and organizational practices.

How we understand this priority: 

• Dismantling oppressive systems is ongoing, generational, and global work. Within the scope of our collective, Level Ground commits to joining these efforts. 

• This priority comes with a commitment to work and create in solidarity with prison abolition, reparation, disability rights, and landback movements. 

2. Intentionally center Black artists, audiences, and stories.

How we understand this priority: 

• The fight for Black dignity and equality remains of utmost importance. Our specific focus on Black artists and audiences is not meant to exclude other underrepresented artists and audiences from participating in Level Ground, but is an acknowledgement that anti-Blackness is at the root of all racism. Our liberation is tied up with each other. 

• This priority includes a commitment from the non-Black members of our community to do the work of recognizing and dismantling anti-Blackness. It also includes documenting metrics and improving decision-making around the programs and projects that receive organizational support, the artists who are hired to join our staff, the partners we work with, and the location of our events.

3. Foster a cohesive and consistent audience.

How we understand this priority: 

• In the ways we’ve previously shared art and scheduled events, we’ve unintentionally grown an audience that (despite overall demographic markers) is separate, disjointed, and even segregated. One audience may show up to a single program or event, but not others. This internal division does not reflect our mission and as such, mere diversity is no longer our goal; cohesion is. 

• This priority comes with a commitment to consolidate our resources and audiences around these priorities, as well as to provide consistent and transparent communication with all stakeholders.