Integrating Design Thinking into Arts Organizations: An Approach to Advancing DEI through Community Engagement Programs

This study explores how design thinking can foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in community engagement programs led by non-profit arts organizations. The aim is to identify the most common approaches utilized in designing and executing community engagement programs, and assess their effec...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of arts management 2024-04, Vol.26 (3), p.17-30
Main Author: Martinez-Fernandez, Albert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arts
Innovations
Problem solving
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:This study explores how design thinking can foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in community engagement programs led by non-profit arts organizations. The aim is to identify the most common approaches utilized in designing and executing community engagement programs, and assess their effectiveness in advancing DEI. The findings reveal that the current strategies used present inherent deficiencies and do not effectively drive DEI goals. The study concludes that by integrating human-centered methodologies, design thinking offers the potential to address the shortcomings of existing approaches. As such, this paper introduces a new Community Co-designed Approach that leverages design thinking and со-design methodologies to better understand the unique values and needs of specific communities and more effectively integrate DEI principles into community engagement initiatives in arts organizations. This research has significant practical implications for arts administrators and practitioners looking to implement DEI through community engagement, increase participation, and improve community relationships.
ISSN:1480-8986