In a recent meeting of the Los Alamos County Inclusivity Task Force, discussions centered on enhancing the representation of diverse artists in public art installations. A community member raised concerns about the lack of diversity in local art, prompting the task force to engage with the Art in Public Places Board to explore potential solutions.

The task force learned that the Art in Public Places Board has actively sought to include more diverse artists, particularly from Hispanic and Indigenous backgrounds. However, they reported challenges in attracting a broader range of applicants, often receiving submissions from the same few artists. This situation highlights a significant barrier to achieving a more inclusive artistic representation in the community.

To address this issue, the task force proposed the formation of working groups, including a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) working group. This group could provide valuable insights on how to better reach diverse artistic communities. Suggestions included targeted outreach through community centers and local publications, as well as strategies for promoting calls for art that resonate with underrepresented groups.

Additionally, the task force emphasized the importance of data collection to understand the demographics of Los Alamos residents, including disabled citizens. This information could help inform future initiatives aimed at inclusivity in public art.

The meeting underscored a commitment to fostering a more diverse artistic landscape in Los Alamos, with plans to return to the Art in Public Places Board with recommendations from the working groups. The task force aims to not only increase the diversity of artists represented but also to enhance community awareness of existing diverse artworks.

As the task force continues its efforts, the next steps will involve collaboration with the Art in Public Places Board to implement these recommendations and improve the visibility of diverse art in the community.