Head to head: can a toolkit solve the sector’s class problem?

14 Nov 2019

This year Jerwood Arts published a toolkit for cultural organisations, designed to encourage greater socio-economic diversity in the arts. Julie Lomax, Chief Executive of a-n The Artists Information Company, sees it as a starting point for helping solve the sector’s ‘class crisis’ – but arts consultant Chrissie Tiller isn’t so sure.

Can you quantify class?

A picture of four people's hands holding mobile devices
14 Nov 2019

Asking questions about someone’s social class may feel uncomfortable, but people are less sensitive than you might think. Maya Sharma and Dan Cowley explain why it’s important to tackle the subject head on – and how to go about it.

Changing the narrative in East Leeds

A photo of the Chapel FM building in a former church
14 Nov 2019

It’s been five years since Heads Together opened Chapel FM in East Leeds. Linda Strudwick looks at what can be achieved from running an arts centre in the middle of a disadvantaged community.

‘We raise each other up’: supporting a new generation of writers

A photo of a young woman in front of a camera
14 Nov 2019

New Writing North is helping young people in some of the region's most socio-economically disadvantaged areas express themselves through creative writing. Laura Fraine explains how a new generation is finding its voice.

A welcoming space for affordable training

Picture of a collage including a dog and a cartoon face
14 Nov 2019

The lack of affordable skills-based training and opportunities to learn from others makes it much harder for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop their careers in the arts. Simina Neagu and Valentina Bin took action to fill the gap.

‘Racism and microaggressions’: publishers reveal industry biases

12 Nov 2019

BME people in children’s publishing are often “pressured to comment on diversity issues” amid expectations their books will focus on cultural stereotypes.

Celebrating local excellence

07 Nov 2019

We spend too much time trying to learn lessons from cities and apply them in other places, argues Brendan Keaney. It’s time to recognise that creative powerhouses can come in all shapes and sizes – and not always where you might expect.

Diversifying the talent pipeline

Photo of performance
07 Nov 2019

Victoria Edwards details a plan to attract students with previously low arts engagement to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - and by extension, the creative industries.

Disability front and centre stage

Production still from Dishoom!
31 Oct 2019

Creating a production that allowed a young and inexperienced disabled British Asian actor to play an authentic character was a rewarding challenge that led to a rich experience for everyone involved. Pravesh Kumar tells the story.

Is diverse leadership really welcome in the arts?

A photo of the Royal Festival Hall in London
25 Oct 2019

Madani Younis' exit from Southbank Centre exposes uncomfortable truths about the arts sector's attitude to workforce diversity, says Amanda Parker.

Everyone welcome – of all faiths and none

A photo of a group of people at Manchester Museum
24 Oct 2019

Staff and museum users from Manchester Museums and Galleries Partnership challenge Tristram Hunt’s definition of what it means to be “consciously civic”.

Arts figures recognised in disability power list

A photo of Andrew Miller
22 Oct 2019

Campaigner and broadcaster Andrew Miller and theatre-maker Jess Thom are among those included in the Shaw Trust’s latest Disability Power 100.

Future workforce, are you out there?

A photo of two young people next to a stage light
17 Oct 2019

Sara Whybrew explains how employers across the creative industries are making sure there’s a new generation of skilled workers heading their way.

Innately innovative ways of thinking

10 Oct 2019

Truly embracing neurodiversity means being open to a wider spectrum of mindsets as well as setting targets, says Paula Graham-Gazzard.

Working on our terms - not yours

Photo of Jon Adams' artwork
10 Oct 2019

Jon Adams explains how a Portsmouth-based project aims to become a national hub of excellence led by and for neurodivergent artists.

The big debate: How can the sector better support neurodiversity?

Photo of performance of MADHOUSE
10 Oct 2019

ArtsProfessional asked people working at the intersection of arts and neurodiversity what changes are needed.

Learning ‘autistic’

10 Oct 2019

Autism should be seen as a cultural difference rather than an impairment, says Hayley Williams-Hindle.

Relaxed performances: why the sector has to do better

A photo of the audience at Shakespeare's Globe
10 Oct 2019

Far from being a niche concern, increasing the number of accessible shows would benefit millions of people across the UK, says Jess Thom.

Fast decline in creative apprenticeships 

04 Oct 2019

New figures from the Department for Education show the number of arts, media and publishing apprentices has fallen by a third since 2015 – but the data doesn’t tell the full story.

Who can afford to do an apprenticeship?

02 Oct 2019

Apprenticeship reforms have offered new opportunities for organisations who want to take on a trainee, writes Madeleine Lund. But how realistic are apprenticeships for our most disadvantaged and underserved young people?

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