Mission

Dumbarton Arts and Education’s  mission is to promote diversity, community, accessibility and love of the arts and learning through our two programs: 

Dumbarton Concerts presents established and emerging artists for multi-generational audiences, while creating a community for patrons and music lovers.  

Inspired Child implements education programs that improve the quality of early childhood education for children from DC’s most under-served communities through arts-based programs that promote cognitive and social-emotional development.  

Vision  

We envision a Washington, DC that brings the richly diverse population in our city together in community through exceptional arts programming—and where every child has access to quality early childhood education, and every early childhood educator has access to quality professional development.  

Commitment to Promoting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access   

We embrace the following definitions to guide us as we use arts as a powerful tool for creating positive social change and removing systemic and structural barriers to equality. 

• Inclusion: We engage in intentional efforts supporting the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, demographics and abilities in organizational programs and decision making processes 

• Diversity: We recognize and value of the things that make us different and strengthen us as a community. We embrace a definition of diversity that includes race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion, ability, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language,  and other identifiers that may distinguish one group or individual from others. 

• Equity, so that all policies and practices  ensure fair treatment for all and give everyone the opportunity to fully participate. Our approach to equity requires identifying barriers that have historically prevented the full participation and some individuals and groups, making the effort to eliminate those barriers, and making space for these historically disadvantaged groups. This includes actively working to dismantle centuries of systemic racism and engaging in meaningful anti-racism work.  

• Access, so that we are working to foster attitudes, behaviors, and policies that promote equity and diversity, allow for inclusion, and fully benefit from the variety of perspectives and backgrounds in our community. 

We are…

• Devoted to Education and Equity   
  Provide resources for under-served DC children, early childhood educators, and families.   

• Dedicated to Artistic Excellence   
  Create concerts, workshops, and exhibitions of the highest quality. Provide opportunity for local artists.  

• Invested in Our Team   
  Foster a vibrant work environment that values innovation and empowers our team members.