A bridge-building approach to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for the arts

Personal

Art & Soul Consulting leads with warmth, care, compassion & curiosity. We get to know your people before rushing in with solutions.

Preventive

The “emergency room” approach (waiting for a crisis before calling an expert) doesn’t work. We build foundations of trust rather than rushing to put out fires.

Playful

Creative spaces require creative work. We design brave spaces where artists can freely, and safely, explore, create and play.

Perspective

Art & Soul looks at the big picture for opportunities to build bridges, both between goals and action, and between people.

Perpetual

With EDI work, progress makes progress. We help embed EDI into the fabric of organizations and projects in meaningful, always-relevant ways.

What Is EDI For the Arts?

We believe that when systems are adjusted and/or created (equity) to support diversity in any given space, we can achieve inclusive environments. Inclusion looks and feels different depending on the context of each show, creative space and group of artists.

Client Testimonials

Working with Art & Soul Consulting has made an immeasurable impact, both on SpeakEasy Stage Company as an arts institution and on me as a person and arts leader. Kira leads with compassion and empathy, creating a space where people of all experiences and backgrounds feel heard and valued. She has been instrumental in problem-solving, protocol-setting, and community-building - all of which have helped us to grow and build our own safe and productive space. I can honestly say that we would not be where we are without Kira and I would happily work with her any time, any place.

Alex Lonati

Director of Artistic & Community Programs, SpeakEasy Stage Company

I truly enjoyed the support and experience that this consulting firm has brought through my experience. I enjoyed [...] the comfort to be able to be myself throughout to the process. Art and Soul has provided a safe/brave space to speak out when in need of help and a listening ear when there was a call for clarity.

Anthony Pires Jr.

Actor & Singer

Kira is a fantastic Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) consultant! I had the pleasure of working with her on one of my last shows, Summer Stock, that we are working on bringing to Broadway for 2025. I had never worked with an EDI consultant before and I don’t think I could ever go back to not having one on a show!

Corbin Bleu

Actor & Singer

It was a joy to work with Kira as we developed a new musical. She led a warm, yet frank and open process which allowed our creative team and cast to challenge one another in a brave environment. The work was positively impacted for all time by her presence on the project.

Donna Lynn Hilton

Artistic Director, Goodspeed Musicals

Art and Soul being present for the whole process has allowed us to put the concepts into practice. I don’t think I have really experienced any other DEI or EDI programs that do anything beyond a power point that everyone forgets about two days later. I felt incredibly supported in a way I didn’t know I needed. There was a a sense of immediate freedom to be creative in knowing that we had a supportive team present to help us navigate hard conversations and who could beautifully highlight any moments of discomfort as moments for growth and connection.

Hannah Balagot

Actor

Art and Soul Consulting provided practical support and guidance that was tailored to meet the needs of our specific cast and crew. Every show and process is different and Art and Soul rises to meet the challenge of providing the support necessary to that specific show and ensemble.

Jesse Garlick

Actor

Kira’s work at the Irish Classical Theatre Company was transformative for our collaborators. She was a stabilizing presence in our rehearsal process, and an invaluable resource for both the administration and creative teams. Kira helped our team navigate difficult material, and guided us in creating and upholding an intentional, collaborative, healthy, brave and human-centered creative space.

Keelie Sheridan

Artistic Director, Irish Classical Theatre Company

“There’s a wariness about asking for anything and not stepping on anyone’s toes. After talking to Kira, I felt my shoulders relax.”

Melory Mirashrafi

Director | English | SpeakEasy Stage

As a director/producer, the inclusion support's impact was immeasurable. It provided expert consultation through various complex situations, which allowed me to do my job to the fullest of my ability. Meanwhile, it allowed the cast and staff to feel supported and have a clear outlet and path to communicating any desires and needs allowing them to do their jobs to the fullest of their abilities. As an actor, it provides a safe space and tools to discuss complex topics in a safe way without the potential fear of retaliation.

Ryan Mardesich

Director & Actor

Working with Kira at Art & Soul Consulting was a positive and insightful experience. Kira demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and facilitating meaningful conversations around diversity and equity. Her insights were not only thought-provoking but also actionable, providing tangible strategies for us to implement positive changes in our daily practices. Since working with Kira, NEMPAC has been proud to recommend her services to alike organizations and businesses looking to further their work and focus on all things EDI.

Sherri Snow

Executive Director, North End Music & Performing Arts Center (NEMPAC)

Kira provided our department, students, and faculty with the necessary tools for positive, productive, meaningful change during a particularly challenging time. Her skill in creating a safe environment for all stakeholders allowed for healthy conversation and discourse, thereby building trust and a progressive cultural climate. Her resources and connections to the professional arts industry made long lasting impressions and provided perspective for our students beyond the walls of their school.

Steve Black

K-12 Director of Visual & Performing Arts, Melrose Public Schools

I've maybe never met a collaborator who embodies the quality of 'care' as much as Kira does--she brings a perfect balance of warmth, generosity, inquisitiveness, and problem-solving abilities into the room, and I felt so at ease and in such great hands working with her. When looking for someone to fill Kira's role on our project, my main objective was to find a partner in creating culture together, collaboratively, with a company, and Kira facilitated an individualized, perfectly 'tailored for the room' experience that I believe lifted each of us and all of us through our time together.