Bill of Rights for the Arts in Duncanville
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We, the citizens, artists, educators, advocates, and leaders of Duncanville, affirm that the arts are fundamental to a thriving, healthy, and forward-looking community.
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In recognition of the transformative power of creativity and culture, we declare and uphold the following rights:
The Right to Access
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Every resident of Duncanville has the right to experience, create, and participate in the arts as a basic element of civic life.
The Right to Arts Education
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Every student in Duncanville’s schools has the right to a comprehensive arts education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong engagement with culture.
The Right to Cultural Expression
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Every neighborhood has the right to public spaces that reflect, celebrate, and amplify the diverse cultural identities of our community.
The Right to Creative Opportunity
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Every artist, regardless of discipline, has the right to fair and equitable access to funding, presentation spaces, commissions, and public support.
The Right to Artistic Freedom
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Every artist has the right to freedom of expression, without censorship or suppression, within the bounds of public responsibility.
The Right to Public Investment
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Every public investment in Duncanville’s future must recognize the arts as a critical driver of economic growth, educational excellence, and community wellbeing.
The Right to Civic Participation Through the Arts
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Every resident has the right to engage with public processes and civic life through creative expression, storytelling, and cultural dialogue.
The Right to Cultural Preservation and Innovation
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Every generation has the right to inherit, contribute to, and reimagine the cultural traditions that shape Duncanville’s identity.
The Right to Health and Wellbeing Through the Arts
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Every resident has the right to experience the proven health, wellness, and social benefits that engagement with the arts provides.
The Right to Leadership in Cultural Policy
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Every arts organization, educator, and advocate has the right to a seat at the table in shaping policies, plans, and investments that impact the future of Duncanville.
Affirmation
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We affirm that the rights outlined above are essential to the health, vitality, and future of Duncanville.
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They belong not only to artists, but to every resident who seeks to live in a community that values creativity, culture, and civic engagement.
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By committing to these principles, we recognize that a vibrant, equitable, and resilient Duncanville depends on the full flourishing of the arts.