Diversity (original) (raw)

Monitoring progress across creativity and culture

We want the diversity of audiences, leaders, producers and creators of creativity and culture to reflect the diversity of contemporary England. We measure our progress by collecting, analysing and reporting on data relating to equality and diversity of the work, organisations and projects that we fund. We also measure the progress of the Arts Council itself.

Though we are moving in the right direction, we would like to increase the rate of change. That’s why National Council is commissioning an independent review of our progress in becoming a more inclusive organisation. We will add our findings to our Inclusivity & Relevance resource hub, to be open about our challenges and offer ideas for how we can all move forward positively.

Our diversity reports

We want the diversity of audiences, leaders, producers and creators of creativity and culture to reflect the diversity of contemporary England.

A goalkeeper leaps away from his goalposts, surrounded by dozens of small balls.

Photo by The Barometer of My Heart, made via Everton FC Community Foundation HR and Grants for the Arts. Photo © Stephen King.

Photo by ILUVLIVE Photo © Abigail Shii

Digging into socio-economic diversity

We know there are barriers to entry into the sector for working class people, and we’re committed to changing this - and that starts with getting the right data.

Our latest report analyses socio-economic diversity with the creative and cultural workforce for the first time. Although the data is too new to identify a pattern, we will use this information in future years to improve socio-economic diversity within the Arts Council and the organisations we fund.

In order to properly explore this issue, we hosted a panel conversation with experts from across the creative, cultural and research sectors to shine new light on the issues faced by working class people entering the creative and culture sector.

Making positive change

Four performers outside a venue

Photo by Cirque Bijou - Extraordinary Bodies Human Cast Photo © Andre Pattenden

Three women gather around laptops in a library.

Photo by Participants at Chelmsley Wood Library. Photo © Michael Cameron Photography

Access to Work

Access to Work, run by the Department for Work and Pensions, helps create more accessible work environments by providing grants to remove barriers that disabled people face undertaking paid employment.

We funded Disability Arts Online to produce a guide that clarified the process of applying to Access to Work and offers specific advice for those working in the arts and cultural sector.

Read a blog by Trish Wheatley, Disability Arts Online’s CEO, on why the guide was needed and how it can help you!

An outdoor production of This Is Not For You by Graeae Theatre Company, featuring disabled actors surrounded by the audience

Developing the Access Scheme

We’re working with partners to develop a scheme dedicated to improving access for disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent audience members.

Posing figure in front of a blue electronic screen