Equity and Access

For Inspire Vancouver, equity means understanding and reducing long-standing barriers from systems and policies that have kept some people from taking part.

Access means making sure cultural programs are available to people who may have been left out because of cost, transportation, disability, language, discrimination, or other challenges.

We listen closely to community voices and use the City of Vancouver’s Equity Index to help understand where needs are greatest.

How We Support Equity and Access

Cultural access helps people feel represented, connected, and included. Inspire Vancouver supports programs that:

• Are free or low-cost and happen in places people already go, like neighborhoods, schools, community centers, libraries, and parks
• Take place across Vancouver, with extra focus on areas that have fewer cultural opportunities
• Reduce barriers like cost, transportation, accessibility, language, or scheduling
• Share the work of Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with disabilities, low-income communities, and other underrepresented groups with wider audiences
• Support leadership and decision-making roles for underrepresented communities in cultural organizations
• Lift up smaller and newer cultural organizations that may have a harder time getting funding
• Encourage diverse leadership, including board representation, training, and learning opportunities

Inspire Vancouver believes that a strong cultural community is one where everyone can participate, create, lead, and feel a sense of belonging. Funded programs should reflect Vancouver’s diversity and help build a more connected and inclusive city.