Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Policy

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Policy

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out a diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

Definitions

Inclusion: While diversity always exists in social systems, inclusion and equity must be fostered. At Mia, we do this by cultivating an environment where people feel supported, listened to, and are able to do their personal best. As a museum with a global collection, it is Mia’s mission and responsibility to ensure that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers demonstrate cultural competence, and that our collections and programming reflect and respond to diverse needs, interests, and cultures of our communities here in Minneapolis and beyond.

Diversity: At Mia, diversity is defined as the characteristics and attributes that make each of us unique at the individual or group level. Diversity has many dimensions, including but not limited to gender identity and expression, race, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and age; as well as cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, life experiences, skills, thoughts, perspectives, and ideas.

Equity: Equity involves acknowledging diversity, celebrating what makes us unique, and working together to eliminate barriers that prevent participation of all people and communities. Building equity requires that we seek an understanding of the underlying causes of disparities within our society, and that we strive to address and overcome them in order to fulfill our commitment to provide equal opportunities in our employment and other practices.

Accessibility: An accessible museum is one that is inclusive of, and makes accommodations for, people with all types of disabilities. At Mia, we are committed to creating accessible environments throughout the institution’s physical building and in our practices, and to providing the public with physical and intellectual access to the museum and its resources. We believe these commitments strengthen the institution for everyone: employees, trustees, interns, volunteers, and visitors.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Framework

We strive to demonstrate leadership by modeling excellence and best practices for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Mia has a deep belief in the power of human creativity and the opportunities for connection and learning that exist when cultures and communities come together in collaboration and understanding. By recognizing and engaging the wisdom, knowledge, and creativity found within every community, we can begin to weave the complex history of our shared cultural heritage.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Mia aims to make its exhibitions and programs accessible to all visitors. To gain familiarity with the services and amenities available to visitors with disabilities, and to welcome visitors of all abilities, visit the museum website’s Accessibility and Inclusion page.