Arts Commission staff outline racial-equity action-plan milestones and new internal equity team

Arts Commission staff presented an update on racial-equity work and next steps for the agency's action plan. Sandra Panopio, senior racial equity and engagement analyst, outlined the legislative requirements for departments (submit and publish a racial-equity action plan, develop metrics, establish internal equity teams) and reported that SFAC has convened an internal racial-equity group with representatives from galleries, administration, community investments, communications, public art and other divisions.

Panopio said the department will run a staff racial-equity climate survey (building on 2020'21 work), provide a summary to commissioners and staff, and prepare an annual assessment for the Office of Racial Equity. She said departments with budgets over $10 million are required by city legislation to establish internal racial-equity teams; SFAC is moving from the internal-focused Phase 1 toward Phase 2 (external engagement) in 2024. Commissioners asked about survey wording and demographic categories; staff said the Office of Racial Equity is developing citywide demographic terminology and sample categories and staff will share survey drafts for feedback.

Commissioners praised the progress and volunteered to assist outreach to underrepresented communities. Panopio said staff will return with progress reporting and an annual assessment later this year.