At Connecticut Lyric Opera (CLO), we believe opera is for everyone. Rooted in our mission to Inspire, Instill, and Involve, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) reflects our belief that the transformative power of opera must be accessible to all—onstage, backstage, and in the audience.
Our Commitment
From its inception, CLO has strived to involve diverse artists and communities in the world of opera. We honor this commitment by fostering an inclusive environment that values every voice, challenges inequity, and celebrates the richness of human experience. Through innovative programming and culturally relevant productions, we aim to create spaces where opera resonates with the broadest possible audience.
Guiding Principles
- Diversity: We embrace the unique identities, cultures, and perspectives that enrich our art form, striving for representation that reflects the communities we serve.
- Equity: We actively identify and dismantle barriers to participation and opportunity, ensuring fair access to all aspects of opera, from performance to leadership.
- Inclusion: We foster an organizational culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to CLO’s mission.
Key Practices
- Representation: We are dedicated to casting, hiring, and collaborating with individuals from underrepresented groups in opera, both on and off stage.
- Culturally Relevant Programming: We tell stories that resonate with contemporary social issues and uplift historically marginalized voices.
- Community Engagement: We build relationships with diverse community organizations to ensure our work reflects and responds to the needs of our audiences.
- Education and Training: We provide ongoing education for our staff, artists, and board to promote cultural humility and deepen understanding of DEI principles.
Goals for the Future
- Increase participation of diverse artists, staff, and audiences in all CLO initiatives.
- Continuously evaluate and adapt our policies and practices to uphold DEI principles.
- Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to expand access to opera and nurture new generations of artists and audiences.
Accountability
We hold ourselves accountable by regularly reviewing our progress toward DEI goals and seeking feedback from our community and stakeholders. CLO is committed to transparency and growth, ensuring our practices align with our values.
Invitation
We invite all who share our passion for the arts to join us in this journey, as we work to make opera an inclusive, dynamic, and transformative experience for all.