Mission
A new approach to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
for the arts
Personal
Art & Soul is support-forward, both with organizational leadership and creatives who rotate in and out of projects. We approach all environments with compassion and curiosity, and we get to know the people involved before sweeping in with suggestions.
Play
Creative spaces require creative work. Art & Soul takes the nuances of theater and art into account while crafting uniquely-tailored EDI solutions. We aim to create brave spaces — with conversation and kind boundary-setting — where artists can freely, and safely, explore and create.
Perspective
In heated artistic environments where everyone has a different creative stake, an outside perspective can be crucial. With skilled mediation and facilitation, Art & Soul looks at the big picture for opportunities to build bridges; between general EDI goals and concrete value-based action steps, and most importantly, between people.
Preventive
The “emergency room” approach doesn’t work with EDI-related issues. If we wait for a crisis before calling in expert help, there’s little that can be done to regain stability and reduce harm. Art & Soul’s work is preventive, striving to build foundations of trust rather than rushing to put out fires.
People
All artists are humans first, and humans need different things in order for the opportunity to succeed at the same level. Art & Soul takes stories, identities and intersectionality into account, then prioritizes equity in caring for humans behind the creative work.
Perpetual
With EDI work, progress makes progress. And as Maya Angelou said, “When we know better, we do better.” Art & Soul helps companies embed EDI into the fabric of their organizations in a meaningful way. That’s the only way that the work stays away from box-checking — it stays relevant always.
About Kira
I’m a Boston-based mom of many passions that have three common threads. They’re all connected by creativity, storytelling and, most importantly, emotional connection.
As a Black woman, I’ve inherited pride for, and protectiveness over, the beauty and the resilience of my people.
As a biracial woman, with a unique outlook on privilege and identity, I’ve learned how to exist in spaces where I don’t feel an innate sense of belonging.
As a choreographer, I’ve learned how to think on my feet (quite literally) and lead groups of artists through discomfort with care.
As a performer, I’ve learned the bravery, vulnerability and self care required to show up in front of hundreds of people on a regular basis.
As a writer, I’ve learned how to delve deep into other people’s mindsets to create compelling and authentic characters.
And as a mom — as a daughter, a wife, a sister and a friend — I’ve learned the overwhelming power of empathy, grace and love.
All paths have led me to this work. It is always with a growth mindset, and my whole heart, that I use my rare collective experiences to create safe, equitable and inclusive environments — spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging and where the arts thrive.
Bio
Kira Troilo (she/her) is a Boston-based creative who has been doing the work of EDI consulting, without the title, for decades. In 2021, after serving for 12 years as the Managing Editor of an online media company, she received formal training — earning her certificate in Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace from ESSEC Business School and anti-racism training from Anti-Racism Collaborative (ARC). She strives to serve as an open door and bridge builder through her blog (biracialmom.com), writing frequently about her experiences as a Black, biracial woman, creative professional and mother. Her article about Black maternal health has received national attention, and her articles about diversity and theater have been published in such outlets as BroadwayWorld and StageSource.
Kira has advised, consulted and mediated for many Boston arts organizations, and consults regularly with out-of-town arts organizations as well. She serves as a member of Moonbox Productions’ EDI advisory council and also as a board member for the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund (TCBF). Kira takes an empathetic approach to her work and believes that mindfulness is the key to growth, change and genuine connection.
