Charter for
an accessible, inclusive and equitable culture

 
 


The purpose of this charter is to support the current momentum towards more open cultural environments. In this regard, it can be viewed by cultural organizations and institutions as an ethical compass that can link and strengthen their commitment to accessibility, inclusion and equity.

The charter is the culmination of a collective and participatory process pursued from 2016 to 2019 by the Group of Eleven, an alliance of 11 cultural institutions in Montreal, alongside several social, community and arts organizations, and many allied individuals with research or human rights expertise. All the participants are concerned with issues of accessibility, inclusion and equity in culture. The Charter thus reflects the ideas and discussions of a broad range of actors directly affected by these issues.

The charter is intended for cultural organizations and institutions as well as for any other individual or organization interested in these issues. It aims to clarify the orientations and approaches that enable cultural institutions and organizations to address the contemporary challenges and issues that concern them.

A glossary of terms is provided at the end of the document to define some of the key concepts presented.





commitments

By signing the Charter, we undertake to :

1

Promote consideration of the principles and strategies set out in this Charter in our policies, programs, publications, public pronouncements and development strategies;

2

Collaborate with individuals and groups primarily affected by exclusion, marginalization and discrimination in developing, selecting, implementing and evaluating the most appropriate strategies;

3

Raise awareness among decision-makers of the role of culture and the importance of respect for, and consideration of, cultural rights in the emergence of a more just, equitable and inclusive society;

4

Strive to extend and go beyond the framework of this charter by linking these principles, strategies and limits and especially by staying abreast of emerging issues;

5

Recognize that the process is an evolving one and that the implemented strategies are not ends in themselves;

6

Be as transparent as possible about the reflections, actions and decisions resulting from the implementation of the articles
in this charter.