DIVERSITY INITIATIVES CONTINUE in ALL OUT ARTS and THE FRESH FRUIT FESTIVAL

“We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall” – Barack Obama

As a theatre organization, the Fresh Fruit Festival and All Out Arts (our corporate parent) have always been, and continue to be, committed to providing a platform for the stories of people of color, especially those within the queer community. To support this, our programming this season – now virtual – will strive to present the struggle and successes of the interaction of the Queer and other minority communities.

The past year has also seen a sharp rise in anti-Asian racism, manifested by slurs, rhetoric, and violence. While spurred by false and racist information relating to COVID-19, the historical roots of racism run much deeper. We at All Out Arts unequivocally condemn these acts and the people who commit them. We offer support and solidarity to our friends, colleagues and family from the Asian and Asian-American communities, many of whom are deeply impacted by this increase in hate and violence against them.

We have pursued our goal for over thirty years. We have presented more than 20 Festivals showcasing the diversity of our community. In addition, we had pledged that our Board and Festival Selection Committee would consist of at least One-Third BIPOC by the year 2024. Currently (2024) our Board is 70% female, and 43% BIPOC.

During Pride Month we remember that pride was born in 1969 by taking a stand at the Stonewall Inn. We cannot fight for our own, Queer equality without also fighting for equality of All people. We have always been laser-focused on our primary directive: Fighting Prejudice Though the Arts; and we continue to stress diversity within the LGBTQ community in the works we present and programs we sponsor. The struggle for any group’s civil rights is also our struggle.

 – Board of Directors, All Out Arts, Inc. June 1, 2020