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“When Words Disappear: The Impact on Arts Administration and Society”

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Theme:
What does the disappearance of crucial words—like “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion,” “gender,” “race,” and many more—from federal websites and official language mean for our field and our communities? How can we respond, adapt, and advocate for the values these words represent?

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This session is inspired by the New York Times article "These Words are Disappearing in the New Trump Administration"

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Session Overview:
In this three-hour interactive symposium, participants will explore the recent removal of over 100 key words—such as “accessible,” “activism,” “equity,” “inclusion,” “gender identity,” “climate crisis,” “bias,” “underrepresented,” and many others—from federal language. Using Open Space Technology, you’ll help shape the conversation by proposing and joining breakout discussions on the meaning, impact, and implications of these changes.

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How It Works:

• Opening Circle: We’ll gather to introduce the theme and the list of disappearing words.

• Topic Proposals: Participants suggest discussion topics related to the disappearance of these words and their consequences.

• Breakout Sessions: Multiple simultaneous conversations will take place in different spaces—join any that interest you.

• Open Networking: Move freely between discussions as your curiosity leads you.
   

Collaboration Tools:
Each discussion will be documented in shared Google Docs, capturing insights, concerns, and action ideas.

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Session Goals:

• Understand the full scope of disappearing words and their significance.

• Discuss how the elimination of these words affects our work, communities, and advocacy.

• Identify strategies to uphold the values behind these words in arts administration and beyond.