About Inclusion

As you've probably discerned from past posts, especially those regarding taste, competition, juried shows, viewers, and art school, I am a big supporter of inclusion and of celebrating diversity in the arts. I want for everybody to be able to express themselves, to have someplace where they can make their voices heard and their opinions known.

However, this does not mean that I think everything should be all-inclusive. Many art institutions and groups have a central focus that determines who they represent and what sort of art they show. It doesn't behoove these institutions and groups to open their doors to everyone. Opening one's doors to everybody can undermine the goals of the group if the group has specific ideals in mind. The goals of the group and ideals that it holds should come first to help determine that group's course of action and to give them focus. Not everyone will fit in everywhere, and not everyone should.

What I want is for as many different opportunities to exist as possible. Not all of these opportunities can and will be offered through any one specific group or institution. A lot of different groups need to be allowed to play different roles and to provide different services, preferably while not undermining one another or stabbing each other in the back. It's a big world out there - all of us should be able to find someplace where we fit into it. This doesn't mean we cannot specialize or differ philosophically, just that there should be multiple venues to cater to those different specializations and ideals.