We at CAMP would like to extend our commitments and beliefs to supporting our community, peers and colleagues in the 35//50 initiative.

The initiative and its coordinators seek to discover a more equitable and diverse Calgary arts scene by reflecting on the realities that there are between 35-43% IBPOC people living in our city, with only 17% of employed professionals in our artistic community representing that population (as of 2017)

Inclusion and Diversity, ironically, means different things to different people. To us, it simply means this: we’re having a puppet party, and everyone is invited. Is it upon us at CAMP to keep finding those not present and be active in passing out more invitations to those around us.

As stated by the 35//50 initiative members:

“Over the next three years, we are committed to seeing our civic landscape more equitably reflected in our professional landscape: a minimum of 35% BIPOC and 50% female or non-binary people in paid, professional positions. Hence the 35//50 Initiative. While our main focus is on BIPOC representation within our city we firmly believe in intersectionality and that this work can also advance gender equity.”

While CAMP is a fully volunteer-based board and staff and often have only a small pool of people interested in our Mask and Puppetry pursuits, we are committed to the support of practices that focus on anti-racism, anti-harassment and anti-oppression.

These are important times. CAMP is in the process of examining how it should carry forward in methods that realize a future of spaces, attitudes and art practices that promote environments abundant in equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible opportunities.

We strive to be daring, curious, generous, responsible, and adaptable.

We seek to be a catalyst and encourage others to develop and grow.