Context
CAAP defines itself in the performing arts sector by championing innovative expressions of Asian Australian experiences. At its core, CAAP advocates for the voices of Asian Australian artists.
We celebrate diversity of culture and artistic practice, and support the creativity of Asian Australian artists and workers in the performing arts and related hybrid disciplines. CAAP’s Statement of Values highlights our core principles and philosophical ideals. It guides the decisions and behaviours of our Board and team in our work, including programming, fundraising and community building, as well as in our relationships and our communications.
Within the context of our Statement of Values, CAAP’s communities encompass our officeholders and members, our employees and contractors, our volunteers and our partners involved in CAAP’s productions, projects or initiatives.
Complex social, cultural and political issues can be deeply personal, contentious and traumatic but also enlightening, insightful and optimistic – they inevitably provoke differing views and opinions. The arts are neither immune from, nor neutral to, these issues – rather, the arts are an arena for reflecting on the most pertinent issues of our times, through creative articulation and thoughtful provocation. Our view is that conflict need not be divisive, but rather offers an opportunity to change ourselves and the ways we work together and collaboratively, with care and in good faith.
Our Statement of Values is actively forward focused and offers us a framework to navigate challenging content and difficult conversations so that we can develop shared understanding and pursue respectful responses. CAAP believes that, with this Statement of Values, we can play a critical role in supporting artists in their articulation of new and diverse perspectives on the complexity of lived experiences, with poignancy, provocation, integrity, sensitivity and empathy.
Values
CAAP prioritises inclusivity, collaboration and pushing artistic boundaries to create impactful contemporary performances that resonate with diverse audiences.
Inclusion
• We embrace a pluralistic society that values social justice and intersectional equity – both conceptually and in practice.
Collaboration
• We believe in the importance of nurturing both our professional network and our communities. We do so by creating open and accessible platforms for respectful dialogue and discourse.
Inspiration
• We are committed to the creation of thought-provoking performance work that responds to cultural and social phenomena, current issues and contributes to the strengthening of our communities.
Commitments
Consistent with our Values, we imbed the following commitments in our engagement with our team and partners, and in our relationships with communities and the performing arts sector:
• Offering a safe and supportive platform for engagement with differing views and lived experiences.
• Listening with care, reflecting with intention and holding space within complexity and difference to find a point of connection where possible.
• Recognising the nuanced contexts for creative practice and acknowledge, with our support, that artists are willing to explore ideas through risk-taking, experimentation and challenging creative approaches.
Underpinned by these commitments, we will facilitate pathways and opportunities to create new works which may be complex, challenging and provocative.
We will enter into every collaboration and partnership on the basis of our shared values, and a commitment to clear communication, trust and mutual respect.
Endorsed by CAAP Board of Directors on 30 April 2025
