Arts Council England (ACE) published its latest diversity figures and it shows that the industry is lacking in people of colour in executive positions.
Reporter: Anisha Chowdhury | Sub-Editor: Emily Fortune
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Darren Henley, head of Arts Council England, has stated that organisations should offer higher ranking positions to ethnic minorities in order to provide equal opportunities.
At the moment, only 17% of workers that receive funding from ACE are from minority groups, with only 8% of minorities in chief executive positions. In a climate where diversity has come to the forefront of conversation, it is important for the creative industries to remain a part of the movement.
Recently, the Oscar’s were accused of a lack of diversity in the nominated category, with big names from Jada and Will Smith to Spike Lee boycotting the event. It is difficult to see such an open form of expression such as art and theatre being industrialised into creating diversity issues.
“For many children and young people from minority communities and from the least prosperous parts of our society, the arts aren’t a part of life,
“That exclusion holds back their progress. And this represents a huge waste of our national talent, at a time when we need it more than ever.” Mr Henley has stated.
@thevoiceofLDNarts