IDEA Resource Hub

NIVA’s IDEA Committee has compiled this directory to support member organizations in advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) across the live entertainment industry. This resource is intended to serve as a practical and evolving reference for venues, promoters, festivals, and industry professionals seeking to foster more equitable and inclusive practices. Whether you're in the early stages or looking to strengthen existing initiatives, the materials provided here offer guidance, tools, and strategies to inform and inspire meaningful progress.

We invite you to explore the directory, engage with the content, and integrate these resources into your organizational practices as we work together to create a more inclusive and accessible industry for all.

12 Questions Board Members Should Ask To Foster Diversity

Nonprofit boards have traditionally had a difficult time achieving inclusivity. Even when boards appoint a member, of a previously not represented group, it is a challenge to welcome and integrate him or her into the workings of the group. Here are 12 other questions you can ask to create better inclusivity.

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What's the Difference Between Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity?

The often-used terms diversity, equity, and inclusion have distinct meanings. People get tripped up not only on definitions, but also on using these terms to create goals and action plans for themselves and their organizational culture. There is no better time to dig deep and establish shared, fundamental understandings to build truly supportive and effective workplaces.

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NIVA IDEA Committee

The purpose of the IDEA committee is to create and share resources for members to use in their efforts to work toward greater equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility; to amplify initiatives launched by other groups and organizations within the entertainment industry; and encourage venues, promoters, and festivals to prioritize and support IDEA work and initiatives within their businesses and communities.

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25 Examples of Awesome Diversity Statements

How good is your diversity statement? The best diversity statements include: the company’s mission, a commitment to diversity, mention of specific underrepresented groups, positive and inclusive language, and unique information or benefits for diverse groups. These 25+ examples are either excellent overall or at least have an idea or two for you to consider.

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Safebar Alliance

SafeBar Alliance provides education and bystander intervention training to participating bars and drinking establishments, and strengthens relationships that prioritize community safety. Its goal is to keep both bar staff and patrons safer from predatory behavior, harassment, and sexual assault.

Location: Kansas, remote trainings available

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The Show Must Be Paused

Our mission is to hold accountable the industry at large, including major corporations and their partners, who benefit from the efforts, struggles and successes of Black people. It is the obligation of these entities to protect and empower the Black communities that have made them disproportionately wealthy in ways that are measurable and transparent. If you are an owner of a music company or business, consider implementing some or all of #TheShowMustBePaused Action Items.

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Do Your Nonprofit's Financial Operations Reflect Your Commitment to DEI?

Most of the tools and articles on organizational implementation of DEI principles cover topics about boards, bylaws, and hiring practices. But what about DEI and finance? What are the links between them? Inequitable and unjust practices easily and unconsciously embed into systems and structures around payroll and finance. Let’s talk about 4 areas where you can examine your financial operations relative to DEI.

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Making Spaces Safer

Making Spaces Safer: A Guide to Giving Harassment the Boot Wherever You Work, Play, and Gather. This book by Shawna Potter is a clear and concise guide for public spaces of all sorts—from art galleries to bagel shops to concert halls—that want to shut down harassers wherever they show up.

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Project Include

An interactive website offering recommendations for a number of different areas related to DEI in the workplace. While they are mostly geared toward tech companies, each area includes case studies and other helpful articles and resources at the bottom of the specific suggestions provided. As a result, we think this is a great resource for folks in any industry.

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Nightlife United

Nightlife United is an industry resource and advocacy non-profit coalition established by and for the Nightlife community. Our community-based actions cultivate a prosperous industry that serves as an inclusive platform for self expression and social cohesion. NU’s mission is to foster safety, diversity, and sustainability in this ecosystem of underserved cultural workers while working towards a thriving and equitable Nightlife culture.

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How to Be An Antiracist Organization

As a part of their Equity, Diversity & Inclusion work, Denver Arts & Venues presents a video series on integrating anti-racism into your organizational structure. Dwinita Mosby Tyler of the Equity Project and Tariana Navas-Nieves of Denver Arts & Venues discuss the necessary work organizations must commit to in order to be anti-racist, with a focus on tactical and actionable steps.

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The Safe Zone Project

A free online resource for powerful, effective LGBTQ awareness and ally training workshops. Provides an entire curriculum around creating safe spaces for people of all sexualities and gender identities. Can’t afford a DEI educator? The Safe Zone Project gives you all the resources you need to facilitate these activities yourself.

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Jazz Coalition

A collective of industry professionals, musicians, fans and supporters, Jazz Coalition identifies global needs affecting the jazz and improvised music community, and strategizes response solutions and opportunities towards action. Jazz Coalition aims to unite the global jazz community by welcoming all industry professionals, musicians, and supporters into an inclusive network.

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Outsmart NYC

A collective of bartenders, FOH staff, BOH staff, DJs, club promoters, bouncers, patrons, business owners, rape crisis advocates, and service providers invested in building safer, more positive and engaging experiences for everyone by changing the way we address sexual violence within our communities.

Location: New York City, NY

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Anti-Racism, Leadership & Values Maia Olmstead Anti-Racism, Leadership & Values Maia Olmstead

Blacksmiths Pledge & Racial Equity Toolkit

A coalition of artists, curators, culture producers, and organizers committed to using the arts to support direct action and civic engagement in the service of Black liberation and equity. Black liberation and equity is liberation and equality for all. This is a compendium of pledges, resources, and tools put together by The Blacksmiths that individuals and organizations can use to hold themselves accountable around issues of racial equity. Embedding racial equity into our lives and work is a continuous process in which we are constantly learning. Commit or recommit to this journey today.

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