Practical and immediate help and programmes for Black, Asian, ethnically diverse people and migrant workers facing redundancy in the arts sector will be provided through a new initiative that aims to ensure the sector does not lose valued workers. Statistics show that Black, Asian, ethnically diverse and migrant arts workers are most likely to be in junior roles that are at most risk of redundancy or working as freelancers rather than salaried staff, and the #AllOfUs Redundancy Care Campaign is fundraising to help those in financial crisis, suffering from anxiety and needing practical skills to go back to work.
Launched by Black Womxn in Theatre and Eclipse Theatre, in partnership with the Bush Theatre, #AllOfUs will present a series of programmes starting with #HereToStay, a 4-week package of practical support to help upskill and empower workers who face employment uncertainty to regain their confidence in the workplace. Participants from across all art forms, including theatre, music, dance, comedy, museums and galleries, will get financial assistance, coaching, mentoring, masterclasses, and CV and application guidance, delivered by a team of senior arts professionals.
The senior practitioners leading the campaign are Stella Kanu, Executive Director, London International Festival of Theatre LIFT; Shawab Iqbal, Executive Producer, Eclipse Theatre and Senior Artistic Associate, Bush Theatre; Monique Baptiste-Brown, Researcher and Head of Communication & Audience Development, Brixton House Theatre; Titilola Dawudu, Writer, Producer and Programme Manager for Young People and Youthfulness, Coventry City of Culture; and Annika Brown, Operations Director, Woolwich Works.