Finding common ground

A group of people listening to a talk
04 Apr 2019

In the wake of budget cuts, local arts groups in Birmingham have come together to help shape a new democratic approach to culture in the city, says Tom Jones.

Creative industries suffer from ‘Guardian reader syndrome’, says BEIS diversity lead

A panel of five people on stage
03 Apr 2019

Conference delegates heard that unconscious bias in recruitment continues to be a serious problem.

Arts leaders slam ‘new paternalism’ of diversity initiatives

Photo of Madani Younis
29 Mar 2019

Southbank Centre’s Creative Director has called for a “much more disruptive intervention”.

Investing in the workforce

A woman, on scaffolding, installing lighting in a theatre
28 Mar 2019

How can we attract a diverse workforce into the arts sector? Robert West says arts organisations can start by dismantling the barriers they are putting up themselves.

An art programme for everyone

A group of people talking around a table.
28 Mar 2019

Emma Edmondson introduces an alternative postgraduate art programme, designed to fit around the lives and bank balances of today’s artists.

Experiencing words visually

Photo of Charlotte Arrowsmith in rehearsal for As You Like It
21 Mar 2019

Charlotte Arrowsmith, who is performing in two plays with the RSC this summer, explains the challenges and opportunities involved when deaf actors are cast in mainstream productions.

Encouraging signs

Charlotte Arrowsmith acting in As You Like It
20 Mar 2019

The casting of deaf actor Charlotte Arrowsmith in a current RSC production illustrates how committing to diversity does not mean being worthy or boring, says Jonathan Knott.

Pulse report: ArtsPay 2018

ArtsPay 2018: A summary of pay and earnings in the arts and cultural sector
18 Mar 2019

The ArtsPay 2018 survey has provided the opportunity for the realities of earnings in the arts & cultural sector to be better understood. This final report and associated analysis, together with commentary by the ArtsProfessional team and others, all contribute to a much clearer picture of the state of pay in 2018.

Race to the bottom

People standing next to a street billboard at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
18 Mar 2019

As low- or no-pay practices continue to dominate the arts and cultural sector, some enlightened employers are starting to reap the benefits of offering a fairer deal to all staff. Jonathan Knott reflects on the findings of the ArtsPay 2018 survey – and the efforts of those challenging the status quo.

Rights, wellbeing and dignity

People standing outside the British Museum holding placards
18 Mar 2019

Financial insecurity plagues the working lives of cultural workers, with the self-employed and freelancers worst affected. But solutions are to be found, so it’s time for the UK to take decisive action, says Clara Paillard.

Entertainment without exploitation

18 Mar 2019

Charlotte Bence looks back on how the trade union Equity has fought low paid and unpaid work in the entertainment industries since 2014 – and its plans to extend its campaign in the future.

A wake-up call

The ArtsPay logo
18 Mar 2019

Liz Hill introduces the grim findings published this week in the ArtsPay 2018 report on pay in the arts and cultural sector.

£8,000 pay penalty for part-time senior women, research finds

A woman holding a baby in front of a rehearsal
15 Mar 2019

Women are being penalised for part-time working in the arts and cultural sector, earning full-time equivalent salaries that fall significantly short of those paid to people working full-time. 

Ditch focus on academic achievement to diversify arts, employers urged

Man carrying books
08 Mar 2019

London’s creative sector has failed to diversify its workforce despite significant job growth since 2012, a new report concludes.

Leading with an audience focus

Photo of Children enjoying a performance of classical Indian dance at Westminster Abbey
07 Mar 2019

Over 25 years the role of cultural marketers has expanded, but the focus remains on audience relationships. Cath Hume examines the changes and challenges.

Diversity organisation celebrates placing 1000th paid intern

A photo of a group of young people
01 Mar 2019

Creative Access, set up in 2012, has placed hundreds of candidates from under-represented backgrounds with organisations including the National Theatre, Tate and Leeds Playhouse.

Working with real people

Photo of a group of skateboarders
28 Feb 2019

Opening up decision-making about what art gets made and by whom doesn't lead to people 'playing it safe', but to programmes that engage more people, more deeply. Tamsin Curror examines the evidence.

An unexpected gift

Photo of four people helping pack mailouts
28 Feb 2019

A welcome surprise of five-year funding provided the opportunity for Cardiff's Sherman Theatre to diversify its audiences, boost volunteering and develop a relationship with a time credit network. Julia Barry tells the story.

Escaping the catch-22

Children painting at an outdoor table
21 Feb 2019

Little has changed in the ten years since John Holden first shone a spotlight on the damaging disconnect between the arts sector and the public at large. Could the mass realisation of personal creativity provide a way forward?

Toddlers welcome

Photo of actor sitting on a bench, dimly lit stage, during in a monologue
21 Feb 2019

Support for new parents in the arts sector is often lacking. Rachel Harper explains how a new show has introduced a range of measures to create a less stressful, more inclusive working environment.

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