Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Are Our Commitments

Isabella Stewart Gardner established the Museum “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever." Accordingly, we aspire to make our collections, exhibitions, and programs accessible and welcoming to the broadest possible audience, seeking to bring people together for personal enjoyment and connection. Anchored in this mandate to serve the public, we respect all of our visitors and embrace the wide diversity of views and lived experiences of the communities and individuals we are privileged to serve. 

As a result of this commitment, it is essential that all visitors are effectively welcomed and supported to have a positive experience of the Museum. Part of achieving this requires that our visitors see themselves and their stories reflected in our interpretation, programming, collaborators, and staff. Regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, native language, age, ability, class, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or educational background, we want visitors to experience the Gardner as a place of respect where they can come together and recharge their creativity. 

In order to meet this aspiration, we embrace and foster a culture committed to diversity and inclusion at the Gardner. Our board, staff, volunteers and partners are part of this shared commitment and embrace a vision of inclusion that supports all forms of diversity. Accordingly, we aim to encourage diverse thought, experience and cultural competency at all levels of the organization, ensuring that everyone at the Gardner is motivated to achieve common goals. 

Building on the values articulated in this strategic plan and this statement on diversity and inclusion, we embrace the following commitments at the Gardner: 

• We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as drivers of staff empowerment, innovation, and institutional excellence. 
• We believe multiple perspectives and a healthy respect for differing views strengthen our organization by expanding our thinking. 
• We embrace the challenge to explore the complex stories embedded in our history and artworks as we work towards continued relevance of the museum and collection to each visitor. 
• We work together as board and staff to ensure that our members, partners, and key stakeholders reflect and embrace these core values.

Image at top: Dzidzor performs in the Living Room. Photo by Steve Osemwenkhae.