Listening, Learning and Responding

June 2, 2020

Chers amis,

TdR Board Chair Michelle Taylor Willis and I are reaching out today to share our company’s commitment to the vital work of overcoming racism.

As a company, we will:

  • hold ourselves accountable to our Black board members, Black artists, Black staff members, and Black patrons. We need them, and we implore them to give us honest criticism and guidance.
  • hold ourselves accountable to the Black people of Fulton County and the City of Atlanta who pay taxes that support local arts programming. We must honor Black people in our programming, staffing, and leadership.
  • be intentional about listening, asking questions, learning, growing, and creating a loving and inclusive environment. We seek to create a space where artists, staff, and patrons can speak their minds and be their full selves.

My first priority as Artistic Director over the last several days has been to reach out personally to TdR’s Black artists and board members to make sure they’re okay. As I hear back from these colleagues, I will ask if they have the energy and brain space, in this fraught moment, to talk about our shared future. I will listen closely to those who wish to speak now and respect those who need time to process their feelings.

Before we can build a specific plan out, we need to listen – closely, thoughtfully, lovingly. The conversation starts now, but it will never stop. And it includes YOU.

If you would like to share your thoughts, frustrations, hopes, dreams and ideas with us, please reach out. Michelle and I would love to hear from you.

Bon courage.

Avec amitié et respect,

Carolyn Cook, Producing Artistic Director
Michelle Taylor Willis, Board Chair

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