The power of the arts resides in fully embracing human diversity in every dimension of culture, expression, and identity. The arts have a unique ability to touch hearts and minds and therefore are uniquely empowered to enact transformational change leading to a more equitable, just, and harmonious world. We are committed to the creation, preservation, and interpretation of the arts across cultures and art forms that reflect and value the full range of human identity and experience.  

We strive to foster and maintain a respectful, brave, vibrant, and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff so that we can: 

• • • undertake our Research 1, Land Grant mission to provide broad access to excellent educational opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
    • engage in creative and scholarly research that addresses the arts at the highest levels across cultures; 
    • serve Connecticut and beyond by developing the state’s creative economy and engaging our state’s communities, especially those which have been historically and intentionally excluded.

Our vision is that the School of Fine Arts (SFA) will be a place that continually aspires for greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and values the well-being, voices, and perspectives of our collective community. The School is committed to becoming recognized as a center of excellence for this work at the university and within higher education.  We will embrace the ongoing work of building and supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all dimensions of our community of faculty, staff, students, audiences, and alumni; our teaching; our research and creative work; and our public programming and engagement.  

The UConn School of Fine Arts acknowledges that, as part of a land-grant institution, it has historically benefited from the sale of lands acquired from Native American tribes, contributing to the displacement of Indigenous peoples. We are committed to addressing this legacy by actively engaging with Connecticut’s five recognized tribes—Eastern Pequot, Golden Hill Paugussett, Mashantucket Pequot, Mohegan, and Schaghticoke—to foster collaborative initiatives that honor and integrate Indigenous perspectives into our curricula and artistic endeavors.   

The School of Fine Arts diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Committee is comprised of representatives from across the SFA, strengthened by diversity, and united in our mission to cultivate an open, welcoming environment for all.  

The University of Connecticut values and supports diversity in many ways. To learn more please visit UConn Diversity, its Resources page, and the Office of Institutional Equity.