Toolkit

SEEKING ARTISTS:

Who We Are:

[INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION OR INSTITUTION]. We are partnering with Race Forward and Americans for the Arts to host this event.

The Call:

On [INSERT DATE], we will host the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy, a local event that will bring community members of all identities and backgrounds together to spark action towards creating a just, multiracial democracy. The Cultural Week of Action will feature local artists, cultural workers, community organizers, and leaders from across the country who are defining the vision of a just, multiracial democracy and how repairing the harms of the past and present through equity and racial justice leads to a better future for all.

We are looking to feature work by artists and cultural workers which embodies the theme of the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy (see below). [INSERT DETAILS OF EVENT/ACTIVITY AND HOW PEOPLE WILL ENGAGE WITH THE CREATIVE OUTCOME].

The theme is “Building the Bigger We.”

What is the “Bigger We?” Simply, the “Bigger We” is us.

The “Bigger We” is a narrative that recognizes that we are diverse - across race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, language, and more - and that we are interconnected. And because we are interconnected, we understand that equity and racial justice are a benefit to all of us, no matter our identity or background.

How do we build the “Bigger We” for a just, multiracial democracy? This is the question and theme that participating sites will interpret through their events.

Building the “Bigger We” means:

• Learning the truth about our past and present and how the rules of society - both past and present - have excluded or discriminated against people because of their race and other identities.
• Building a shared vision of our neighborhoods that includes how advancing equity and racial justice would be a benefit to everyone.
• Activating community members to participate, shape, and lead in government and other civic institutions so that we can support the infrastructure that benefits all of us - our schools, roads, buses, parks, clinics, etc. 

We invite artists and cultural workers across a variety of mediums, including, but not limited to: 

• Audio and sound art
• Podcast
• Animation 
• Music
• Dance
• Spoken word
• Theater/Puppetry
• Improv/Comedy art
• Painting
• Photography
• Installation/projection 
• Interactive design
• Digital art
• Games/gaming
• Web-based content
• Multimedia work
• Video/Film
• Wearable art
• …and more.

Compensation:

• [INSERT COMPENSATION INFORMATION]

Provide with submission:

• 2-3 examples of your work
• A description of how your work connects to the theme (500 words or less)
• Name, address, phone, email, website

If you have any questions feel free to contact us at [INSERT CONTACT INFO]

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is an opportunity to share the vision of a just, multiracial democracy and the people and organizations that are working to advance that vision. These talking points can help guide your messaging and outreach.

Essential Talking Points:

• The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is an annual initiative happening in towns, cities, and counties across the country that brings community members of all identities and backgrounds together to spark action towards creating a just, multiracial democracy.
• The Cultural Week of Action features local artists, cultural workers, community organizers, and leaders who are defining the vision of a just, multiracial democracy and how repairing past and present-day harms through equity and racial justice leads to a better future for all.

General Messages:

• The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy will highlight organizers, artists, and organizations fighting for a just, multiracial democracy and invite participants to join us in this ongoing work.
• The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is hosted by [local organizations and institutions] and coordinated nation-wide by Race Forward and Americans for the Arts.
• At a time when well-funded and coordinated attacks are stoking racial and gender divides to undermine our democracy, The Cultural Week of Action is bringing together everyday people across their differences to build a better future for all.
   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [INSERT DATE]
Media Contact:
[LOCAL MEDIA CONTACT INFO HERE] 
National: [email protected]

[CITY/ORGANIZATION] celebrates Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy

This week, [NAME OF MUNICIPALITY OR ORGANIZATION] celebrates the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy by [EXPLANATION OF EVENT]. This event is part of Race Forward’s and Americans for the Arts’ nationwide Cultural Week of Action being held September 27-October 5 in locations across the country.

[INSERT QUOTE FROM ORG EXECUTIVE OR PROMINENT COMMUNITY MEMBER ON WHAT THE EVENT WILL ACCOMPLISH LOCALLY]

[ORG NAME] will host the following event(s) in [INSERT DATE]:

[ADD DETAILS OF EVENT – WHAT, WHERE, WHO, ETC]

###

About the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy:

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is an annual initiative that brings community members of all identities and backgrounds together to spark action towards building a just, multiracial democracy. Through arts and culture, these events will catalyze conversations that touch on history, how it shapes our present, and how local community-based organizations are organizing to build a racially just future that includes all of us. Each event will feature actions that community members can take together to create a truly, just, multiracial democracy—starting in their own neighborhoods.

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is hosted by [local organizations and institutions] and coordinated nationwide by Race Forward and Americans for the Arts. View the events happening across the country here.
 

Email 1

SUBJECT LINE: Save The Date: [INSERT COMMUNITY] Celebrates Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy

[INSERT HEADER IMAGE]

Save the Date for the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy

[INSERT COMMUNITY] is excited to invite you to the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy, which [“we’ll celebrate from Date-Date.” OR, IF SPECIFIC DATES NOT YET CONFIRMED: “will be celebrated nationally from September 27 - October 5.”]

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is an annual initiative that brings community members of all identities and backgrounds together to spark action towards building a just, multiracial democracy. Through arts and culture, these events will spark conversations that touch on history, how it shapes our present, and how local community-based organizations are organizing to build a racially just future that includes all of us—starting in our own neighborhoods.

Stay tuned for more updates on where and how you can join us in celebrating the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy. You can expect more email updates from us over the next few weeks! You can also follow us on/at [insert website or social channel(s)] to stay in the loop.

More soon,  

[Signature/Standard Sign Off]  

Email 2

SUBJECT LINE: You’re Invited: Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy 2024

We are looking forward to celebrating the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy in [Insert Community], an annual event that brings community members of all identities and backgrounds together to spark action towards creating a just, multiracial democracy. This event is part of the nationwide effort hosted by Race Forward and Americans for the Arts during the week of September 27-October 5. Click here to see what’s happening across the country.

At a time when there are those that are seeking to divide us, we are coming together to show that we can build a better future together. That means repairing the harms of the past and present by advancing equity and racial justice, right here in [Insert Community]. The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is an opportunity for us to unite across our differences and take action to build a [Insert Community] that includes everyone.

Join us [at specific event location/virtually] and [more specific details about your event – Date/time/location? What actions will people take? What can participants expect to do or learn?] 

Please RSVP by [DATE] using this link. Have a question about our event for the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy? Reach out to [us/specific organization contact] at [email address]. 

See you soon,  

[Signature/Standard Sign Off]

Email 3

SUBJECT LINE: The Importance of the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy 2024

Why the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy Matters:

No matter what we look like or where we come from, most of us want the same things: A safe neighborhood to live, work, and play. A place where we feel that we truly belong, where we are free to be fully ourselves, and where all of us, across races, backgrounds, and zip codes, have the means to pursue our dreams. This is a vision of a just, multiracial democracy, where everyone has the freedom to thrive. 

This is what the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is about. It’s about bringing communities together to learn about our history and how it shapes our present. It’s about listening to the people most impacted by injustice in this country about how we advance a vision of a just, multiracial democracy. And, it’s about taking collective action to advance racial justice, so that we can make that vision into a reality.

On [Date(s)], join us during the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy to connect, collaborate, and build bridges that further advance our goals to [details about your community’s goal(s)]. Join us [at specific event location/virtually] to [details about your event. What’s the topic? What are the goals of the event? What, specifically, will attendees do or learn?] 

This event is part of the nationwide Cultural Week of Action, hosted by Race Forward and Americans for the Arts, September 27-October 5. Click here to see events across the country.

We’re so excited to see you there. Please RSVP by [DATE] using this link, and don’t hesitate to reach out to [us/specific organization contact] at [email address] with any questions.

[Signature/Standard Sign Off]

Email 4

SUBJECT LINE: Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy 2024 Starts [This/Next] Week! 

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is [Number] Days Away! 

We’re excited to see you [at specific event location/virtually] on [Date and Time] for the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy.

Here’s what you need to know in order to join us [this/next] week:  

NAME OF EVENT: [Insert Name of Event]

WHEN: [Date(s) and Time(s)]

WHERE: [Specific Event Location(s)] 

WHAT TO BRING: [Items folks should bring to participate. If nothing, omit this section]. 

WHAT TO EXPECT: [Close with a brief explanation of the event will spark further action in your community and/or how it maps back to your goals]. 

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to [us/specific organization contact] at [email address]. 

See you soon,  

[Signature/Standard Sign Off]

DRAFT MEDIA ALERT: 
CULTURAL WEEK OF ACTION ON RACE AND DEMOCRACY

Media Alert

For Immediate Release: 

[MONTH][DAY], 2024

[YOUR ORGANIZATION] to Participate in Inaugural Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy

Joins Organizations Across the Country in Leveraging Arts & Culture to Advance a Just, Multiracial Democracy

What: 

[YOUR ORGANIZATION] will host an event exploring what “Building The Bigger We” means to [YOUR LOCATION]. 
        
[INSERT DESCRIPTION OF EVENT]

This event is part of Race Forward and Americans for the Arts’ nationwide Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy taking place September 27-October 5. The series of events and activities—taking place in locations across the country—bring people together through arts, culture, and creativity to spark action toward creating a just, multiracial democracy.    

When: 

[MONTH, DAY, 2024]
[TIME]

Where: 

[VENUE NAME]
[VENUE ADDRESS]    

Who:

[INSERT ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS]
[INSERT SPOKESPEOPLE]

Media opps: 

Spokespeople will be available for interviews and photo opportunities after the event concludes.

Info: [INSERT ANY LOGISTICAL, PARKING, FOOD DETAILS]

Media RSVP: [YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION]

###

About the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy:

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is a new annual initiative by Race Forward and Americans for the Arts to bring people together through arts, culture, and creativity to spark action toward creating a just, multiracial democracy. The week of action will take place from September 27 – October 5, 2024 in local communities across the country.

Through arts and culture, these events will catalyze conversations that touch on history, how it shapes our present, and how local community-based organizations are organizing to build a racially just future that includes all of us. Each event will feature actions that community members can take together to create a truly, just, multiracial democracy—starting in their own neighborhoods.

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is hosted by [INSERT ORGANIZATIONAL NAME AND PARTNERS] and coordinated nationwide by Race Forward and Americans for the Arts. View the events happening across the country here.

[BOILERPLATE ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION]
 

Ask legislators that have indicated their support for the arts to sponsor a proclamation recognizing the role of arts and culture in a just, multiracial democracy (these are sometimes called "whereas documents"). 
 
Time this resolution to be presented as soon as possible just before or during your participation in this year’s Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy. Someone in your city government may write resolutions using a standard format or you may be asked to draft the resolution yourself. Here is a template proclamation you can use.