Fort Point Arts Community

Accessibility & Inclusion Policy, adopted March 27, 2026, will be reviewed every 2 years.

The Board of Directors of Fort Point Arts Community affirms FPAC’s commitment to accessibility, cultural equity, and inclusive participation in all programs, communications, spaces, and governance practices. FPAC seeks to remove physical, financial, communication, and participation barriers so that artists, members, visitors, volunteers, and staff of all abilities and backgrounds can fully engage with our community.

Article 1 – Values and Non-Harassment
FPAC is committed to a respectful, harassment-free environment in all FPAC spaces, events, meetings, programs, and communications. Harassment or discriminatory conduct on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, economic status, or other identity is not tolerated and may result in removal from events or spaces and/or review by the Board.

Article 2 – Physical Access
FPAC will maintain ADA-compatible doors, step-free, and an accessible restroom to the greatest extent feasible. Staff and volunteers will be prepared to assist visitors who need help navigating the gallery or exhibition space. When physical barriers cannot be fully removed, FPAC will seek practical interim solutions that improve access and participation.

Article 3 – Communication and Information Access
Exhibition materials, including wall labels, handouts, and printed information, will be legible: 12-point type or larger, in black or high contrasting colors. Labels will be readable if seated in front of the work. Staff and volunteers will be ready to provide printed guides, verbal explanations, or other reasonable forms of communication support for visitors who request them. Information about how to join FPAC, volunteer, and participate in programs will be clearly available in the gallery and on the website.

Article 4 – Responsive Service
The President, Executive Director, and staff will respond to emails and phone calls in a timely, respectful manner. Every visitor will be welcomed by gallery staff, and staff will offer engagement in a way that respects the visitor’s preferences for interaction or privacy. FPAC will continue to provide a free monthly newsletter so that members and the public can stay informed about exhibitions, events, and opportunities.

Article 5 – Board and Meeting Access
FPAC will support accessible participation in board and committee activities by reimbursing parking expenses for board members when necessary and offering Zoom participation for extra meetings, bad weather, or extreme cold conditions. Meetings and committee work will be scheduled and conducted in ways that reduce unnecessary barriers to participation.

Article 6 – Membership Access

FPAC will offer:

• Free membership to all first-time exhibiting artists with FPAC
• Free membership for individuals who request it due to financial hardship
• Half-price membership for undergraduate and graduate students
• Two membership meetings/socials per year 

New members will be welcomed personally, and staff and volunteers will invite gallery visitors to join the community when appropriate.

Article 7 – Programming and Exhibitions
FPAC will continue to prioritize free programming, including:

• 8 exhibitions per year, each lasting 2–2.5 months, with receptions and artist talks when possible; and
• 30+ concerts and performance evenings or afternoons annually.

FPAC will present at least one non-curated member-only exhibition each year during Fort Point Open Studios, subject to board and staff planning. 

Article 8 – Input and Inclusion in Programming
The Exhibition and Programming Committees, board members, and volunteers will regularly provide input to support diverse and inclusive programming. FPAC will hold at least one additional membership-focused social or listening event each year and will distribute surveys to gather feedback and ideas. Members and the public may share input at any time through conversations with staff, written comments, or digital channels.

Article 9 – Artists and Community Outreach to Greater Boston and Beyond
FPAC will use its website, newsletter, social media, and on-site postings to share calls for artists, curators, volunteers, and programs. 

FPAC will actively reach artists from other neighborhoods by:

• Connecting with neighborhood art associations, galleries, and open-studio events, and
• Building relationships through word-of-mouth and networking. 

FPAC will strengthen storytelling on the website so that the community’s values, impact, and inclusive practices are clearly communicated.

Article 10 – Website and Digital Accessibility
FPAC will maintain a clear, easy-to-navigate website that:

• States the organization’s values and accessibility commitments,
• Provides a visible Volunteer page and straightforward ways to contact FPAC, and
• Presents calls for entries, curators, and programs in a consistent and accessible format.

FPAC will periodically review its website content and accessibility, including compatibility with assistive technologies, and will work toward further improvement in line with evolving standards.

Article 11 – Review and Accountability
The Board, in collaboration with the Executive Director and staff, will review this Accessibility & Inclusion Policy at least once every two years. Updates will reflect community feedback, organizational changes, and advances in accessibility standards, and will be approved through the Board’s policy-review process.