From Thomas Kell, Administrator, Theatre Centre
I enjoyed the last ArtsProfessional (issue 60, October 20), but my pleasure in seeing the major feature on diversity was muted by the plug for decibel.
While the scheme is doing much good work, the approach to theatre for young people has been appalling. Companies specialising in this area have been determinedly excluded from participating in decibel and in particular from the major showcase event in Manchester earlier this year. And this sector needs support: at the recent Take Off Festival for Children and Young People, there was an almost complete absence of racial diversity amongst performers, directors and administrators. Black, Asian and other ethnic minority theatre artists are finding far too few opportunities to enjoy artistic leadership in creating work for our youngest audiences. I hope the Arts Council can join up more of its recent positive thinking and avoid ghettoising children?s arts yet again.