Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Policy
Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.
Learn more about Mia’s current DEI impact.
Definitions
Inclusion:
While diversity always exists in social systems, inclusion and equity must be fostered. At Mia, we do this by cultivating an environment where people feel supported and listened to, and are able to do their personal best. As a museum with a global collection, it is our mission and responsibility to ensure that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers demonstrates cultural competence, and that our collections and programming reflect and respond to diverse needs, interests, and cultures of our communities here in Minneapolis and beyond.
Diversity:
At Mia, diversity is defined as the characteristics and attributes that make each of us unique at the individual or group level. Diversity has many dimensions, including but not limited to gender identity and expression, race, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and age; as well as cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, life experiences, skills, thoughts, perspectives, and ideas.
Equity:
Equity involves acknowledging diversity, celebrating what makes us unique, and working together to eliminate barriers that prevent participation of all people and communities. Building equity requires that we seek an understanding of the underlying causes of disparities within our society, and strive to address and overcome them, in order to fulfill our commitment to providing equal opportunities in our employment and other practices.
Accessibility:
An accessible museum is one that is inclusive of, and makes accommodations for, people with all types of disabilities. At Mia, we are committed to creating accessible environments throughout the institution’s physical building and in our practices; and providing the public with physical and intellectual access to the museum and its resources. We believe these commitments strengthen the institution for everyone: employees, trustees, interns, volunteers, and visitors alike.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Framework
We strive to demonstrate leadership by modeling excellence and best practices for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Mia has a deep belief in the power of human creativity and the opportunities for connection and learning that exist when cultures and communities come together in collaboration and understanding. By recognizing and engaging the wisdom, knowledge, and creativity found within every community, we can begin to weave the complex history of our shared cultural heritage.
Policy on Accessibility
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) believes in making art accessible to all people and is committed to providing full access to persons with disabilities so they can enjoy all that Mia offers. It is our goal to remove all barriers and provide a safe and welcoming space for learning, expression, and inspiration.
Mia has implemented numerous initiatives to maximize accessibility to the complete collection in the galleries on all floors and all wings of the property, including food service, the museum store, parking, restrooms, and common areas. Our dedicated accessibility team regularly investigates ways we can provide visitors with disabilities with a welcoming, comfortable environment. This includes identifying potential barriers, designing accessible exhibitions, and providing effective communications for Mia’s permanent collection, special exhibitions, learning activities, and other programs.
If the nature of an exhibition or activity is such that Mia has a concern regarding accessibility, we will contact Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) to discuss options and address accessibility issues prior to instituting any limitations.
If you have any accessibility issues while visiting Mia please contact any Visitor Experience member.