As the creative industries recover, it is essential not to rebuild barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion, write Deborah Bull and Chi Onwurah.
Research recently published by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre confirms what we all already knew: in the creative sector, it pays to be privileged.
People from privileged backgrounds are twice as likely to be employed in the creative industries than those from working-class backgrounds, and more than half of those in creative occupations are from middle-class origins. This puts cultural occupations right up there with doctors, barristers and judges as being some of the UK’s most exclusive jobs.
For those already facing discrimination, these inequalities are even harsher. If you are middle-class and able-bodied, you are 2.7 times more likely to work in the creative sector than if you’re working-class and disabled. Middle-class and male? More than three times as likely as a working-class woman. Middle-class and white in London? Twice as likely as those from working-class, ethnic-minority backgrounds. Despite the best intentions of many, art is created by the few, for the few.
Research recently published by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre confirms what we all already knew: in the creative sector, it pays to be privileged.
People from privileged backgrounds are twice as likely to be employed in the creative industries than those from working-class backgrounds, and more than half of those in creative occupations are from middle-class origins. This puts cultural occupations right up there with doctors, barristers and judges as being some of the UK’s most exclusive jobs.
For those already facing discrimination, these inequalities are even harsher. If you are middle-class and able-bodied, you are 2.7 times more likely to work in the creative sector than if you’re working-class and disabled. Middle-class and male? More than three times as likely as a working-class woman. Middle-class and white in London? Twice as likely as those from working-class, ethnic-minority backgrounds. Despite the best intentions of many, art is created by the few, for the few.
The creative sector has been one of the most profoundly affected by the pandemic...Keep reading on Museums Association.