Statement of Solidarity from the City of Dubuque’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission

 
We are writing to acknowledge the impact of this pivotal moment and to express the commitment of the City of Dubuque’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission to support and model racial justice and equity.
 
The Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission condemn and grieve the violent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless Black people before them who have lost their lives in racist acts. While these tragic events have rightfully ignited calls for change across the world, we know that there are immeasurable other incidents of racism, that are neither witnessed or heard, enacted daily on Black bodies and minds. 
 
Over the past five years, we and Dubuque’s arts and cultural organizations have been investing in resources to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in Dubuque. As the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission, we are dedicated to leveraging arts and culture to unite us and bridge cultural divides. We support our cultural organizations to be welcoming places to, and representing the voices of, all in our community.
 
We know there’s work to be done. We can and will use the power of arts and culture to make Dubuque a more connected, just, and inclusive community.
 
Arts and Cultural Affairs Commissioners
Ali Levasseur, Chairperson
Paula Neuhaus, Vice-chairperson
Gina Siegert, Secretary
Tyler Daugherty
Ryan Decker
Nick Halder
Sue Riedel
 
Comments or questions for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission should be referred to Jenni Petersen-Brant, Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator for the City of Dubuque at jbrant@cityofdubuque.org or 563-690-6059.

A PDF of the statement is available here.