The 2024 election results in the United States remind us of the basic principles that the UCLA Art & Global Health Center stands for. We take this opportunity to restate those principles for ourselves, our colleagues, and our collaborators.
We believe …
- In the right of all people to have control of their own bodies. “Bodily autonomy” means that we have the right to consensual pleasure, to information about our reproductive health, and also to abortion services. This is our starting point.
- In the right to identify as we choose, meaning that we get to determine our gender and our pronouns and to seek gender-affirming medical care, and also to explore our sexuality in our own way. Mutual respect demands this.
- In access to health care. The Affordable Care Act has made it possible for more than 45 million people to receive health care annually. We must build on that number, not retrench.
- In diversity and the basic goodness of people, the essence of this country of indigenous people and immigrants. As such, we acknowledge and embrace the role immigration plays in making America the country it is. We will continue the tradition of inviting and welcoming new neighbors from around the world to participate in our work.
- That the arts have a key role to play in raising issues, sharpening communication, vociferously protesting, and changing hearts and minds. Furthermore, the arts allow us to practice empathy and compassion, and also to express the range of human emotions in a productive way. This includes channeling our anger to produce positive change.
- And we believe that the arts have the power to heal, which is the foundation of our work in mental health and wellbeing. Through creative expression, we can explore emotions, process experiences, and catalyze action.
… Which is why, ultimately, we reaffirm our position as a Center that has explored art and global health for nearly two decades, with a commitment to continue building on these essential principles for the next four years and beyond.