Ortiz 1

Isabella Ortiz
Mrs. Fogelson
Junior English DE
May 3, 2016
Art Festival vs. Legislative Measures
Diversity is a complex issue that continues to evolve with the fluctuating society. As the
United States of America continues to welcome more and more people of different racial and
cultural backgrounds, the divide between communities begins to widen. It seems that not enough
people are aware of the subtle differences that dictate unique cultures and therefore are less likely
to intermingle or form relationships with members of other cultural groups. One possible
solution to this issue would be to create an inclusive art festival to be showcased in the city of
Surprise. While this art festival has several benefits, it certainly is not the only solution available
that can unify and diversify a community. However, when compared to other solutions, such as
passing reformative diversity legislation, the art festival is seen to be the most rewarding and
successful solution that will effectively accomplish its goals. A cultural art festival would not
only showcase different cultures but would also work to unify the community and spark healthy
dialogue between people of different backgrounds.
When met with the challenging prospect of strengthening a community, several viable
solutions exist. From establishing a cultural arts festival to passing legislation, successful
community unifying projects may take any shape and get similar results. An art festival, for

Ortiz 2
example, can become an articulation of a communitys stories that can contribute to [the]
preservation and celebration of community identity (How the Arts and Cultural Sector
Strengthen Cultural Values and Preserve Heritage and History). This is an effective way of
unifying the community. In addition, the festival is seen as a community effort to advance
cultural heritage which has an important impact on advancing community growth. On the other
hand, passing legislation is also an effective solution. For one, it is a more direct way of making
sure diversity is being implemented in local businesses and organizations. Legislation such as the
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotion,
(...) and other aspects of employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin
is a legally binding act that forces businesses everywhere to be more inclusive or risk the legal
consequences (EEOC). While the legislation that could be passed would not do so at the national
level, community diversity initiatives proposed by the local government would be just as
effective and would be met with success.
While both solutions have several strengths, it would be remiss to omit the weaknesses
that exist with each one. Neither task is simple in completing and the long process may diminish
their impact. With instituting a cultural art festival, the overall cost of its production may become
a weakness. Paying for all the services required at a cultural festival, such as the artists and the
food vendors, results in a large bill which may be difficult to pay. Also the Arizonan Valley lacks
a large international arts and culture destination that will make it difficult to develop such
attractions [that] will require choosing a few areas in which to build stature, scale, scope, and
size of production to create signature programs (...) and events (Battelle Memorial Institute).
Legislation is known for its finality; however, it may result in not being very effective within the
community. Many might disregard the terms of the bill or ruling and if it isn't properly enforced

Ortiz 3
then there will be no consequences to those that shirk the law. It may cause controversy within
the community as well as raise tensions and drive citizens further apart. In general, while
legislation can be a positive thing it is not an engaging way for communities to grow.
The wonderful advantage to both solutions is that both
an art festival and a reformative community initiative
provides many communities to an evolving community. An
art festival would provide a community with the chance to
create more art programs in both the community and in
schools. In addition to the community value it holds, a
Community Engagement Using the
Arts

festival holds the potential of attracting tourists to the city.

This would boost the community's economy since more customers would be introduced to local
businesses. All in all, a successful art festival promote cultural tourism within the local
community (Hocking). Legislation also provides several opportunities within a community. To
begin with, the target group being affected by discrimination would now be offered the same
opportunities as those that benefit from systematic oppression. In general, because organizations
strive to create better communities through their missions, it is important that they also work at
creating inclusive workplaces that are respectful and welcoming of diversity (Canada). If it is
difficult to do so without legislation, then the necessary steps will be taken in order to preserve
the community while also becoming less exclusive.
With each opportunity that may arise with each solution, there are several threats that also
arise that may prevent each one from coming to fruition. Specifically, there may not much of an
audience for such a culturally diverse display. Surprise, Arizona is not a very culturally mixed

Ortiz 4
city so a festival of this nature may not accomplish everything it
aims to do. As previously mentioned, if the festival becomes too
ambitious the overall cost may end up being much too high for it
to be carried out. Another threat to its success is the magnitude
of such a project. If unorganized, it will fall apart and it will not
even get out of planning stages. With legislation, community
groups may oppose the passing of such diversity measures.

Racial Breakdown in Surprise, AZ

Subsequently, these groups may turn the entire community against it, worsening the issue. Even
if it is passed there is a chance it could be repealed or it may not even be enforced, making the
law useless.
As evidenced, there are several ways a passionate individual or a local organization may
strengthen and diversify a community. Passing reformative legislation that introduces diversity in
organizations and businesses is one way that this task may be accomplished. However,
legislation is an impersonal solution that does not necessarily unite the community; in fact, it
may even introduce conflict. An inclusive art festival not only highlights diversity within a
community but it also brings citizens together and fosters a safe place for crucial dialogues.
Whenever making a decision of this scope it is necessary to weigh the advantages and
disadvantages together in order to be certain of making the right decision. When weighed with
other options, the proposed art festival is a wholesome and beneficial addition to the community.

Ortiz 5

Works Cited
Battelle Memorial Institute. Summary of Input on the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats Facing the Arts and Culture Sector in the Maricopa Region. Maricopa County, AZ:
Battelle Memorial Institute, 2003. Web. 3 May 2016.
Canada, Community Foundations of. Legislation and Policies. Hrcouncil.ca. n.d. Web. 3 May
2016.
Community Engagement Using the Arts. n.d. Web. 4 May 2016.
EEOC, 2016. Employment discrimination, diversity, harassment, gender and labor issues. 2016.
Web. 3 May 2016.
Hocking, Jessica. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to the local community of staging a
major cultural and/or sporting event. Arasite. n.d. Web. 3 May 2016.
How the arts and cultural sector strengthen cultural values and preserve heritage and history.
2016. Web. 3 May 2016.
Racial Breakdown in Surprise, AZ. n.d. Web. 4 May 2016.