College of Visual and Performing Arts

Diversity and the Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University believes that equity, access and inclusion are moral imperatives and artistic obligations. Diversity—in the stories we represent, the students we serve, and the audiences we engage—is vital for the health and relevance of contemporary arts practice. CVPA, therefore, welcomes diversity of perspective, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability.

The faculty and staff of the College of Visual and Performing Arts stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

We are listening and learning in this moment, and we commit ourselves anew to joining black individuals and communities in the fight against racial inequality. As educators and artists, we pledge to continue this deeply necessary work not only in our classrooms and performance spaces, but also in our hearts and minds.

To our black students: We see you and we stand with you.

Anti-racism Resources

These resources are curated by the JMU College of Visual and Performing Arts. While not an exhaustive list, it seeks to provide resources for arts students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the larger community. Special thanks to the School of Theatre and Dance for providing these resources.

Black Lives Matter:

Collated Anti-Racism Education Resource Lists:

Articles and Tools to Teaching Race and Anti-Racist Practice in the Classroom: