Equality and Diversity: A Vision or a Reality? -Arts Council England’s Delivery Plan 24-27

Continuing our deep dive into the Arts Council England's 2024-27 Delivery Plan, this week we're tackling the big questions around equality and diversity in the arts. The plan is all about creating a more inclusive and representative cultural landscape, but how close are we to making that a reality? Let’s unpack the challenges and see what needs to happen next.

Current State of Diversity in the Arts

Equality and diversity are essential for a thriving cultural sector but some still seem to only use them as buzzwords, and lack any real understanding of what shift is actually required in our sector.  Despite various initiatives, people from marginalised communities are still not getting a fair shot at leadership roles or representation in programming. According to the Cultural Learning Alliance, only a small percentage of leadership positions in the arts are held by individuals from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. The same goes for D/deaf and disabled individuals, who face significant barriers to participation.

These numbers aren't just stats; they highlight systemic issues in the sector. A lack of diversity at the top means a narrow range of perspectives and experiences are being represented, which limits the sector’s ability to truly engage with diverse communities.

Barriers to Inclusivity

So, what’s holding us back? The barriers to inclusivity are many and deeply rooted. From unconscious bias and outdated practices to structural inequalities and lack of resources, there’s a lot to tackle. Many organisations struggle to roll out effective diversity initiatives simply because they lack the resources and support they need.

The British Council points out that while diversity initiatives are on the rise, they often fall short due to limited resources. Add to that the financial pressures many organisations face, and you’ve got a recipe for slow progress. Funding cuts often mean outreach and engagement programmes, essential for fostering diversity, are the first to go.

Moving Beyond Tokenism

To really make a difference, organisations need to move beyond tokenism. This means rethinking recruitment practices, building inclusive work environments, and ensuring diverse voices are genuinely valued in decision-making processes.

There are some great examples out there. The National Theatre's "Let’s Play" programme, which works with schools to develop inclusive theatre productions, is a fantastic initiative. And the Arts Council England's "Change Makers" has been instrumental in supporting BAME and disabled leaders through targeted funding and mentorship.

Support and Resources Needed

To hit the diversity targets in the Delivery Plan, organisations need proper support and resources. This includes funding for training, development programmes, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement activities.

Funders and policymakers have a big role to play here. They need to provide the support and resources that enable organisations to prioritise diversity and inclusion. This could mean targeted funding streams for diversity initiatives or incentives for organisations that are truly committed to inclusivity.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing across the sector can also help. Peer networks and forums where organisations can learn from each other are invaluable for boosting diversity efforts.

Conclusion

While the Arts Council's Delivery Plan sets a clear vision for equality and diversity, making it a reality requires ongoing effort and commitment from everyone in the cultural sector. By embracing inclusivity as a core value and tackling systemic barriers head-on, the arts can become a real driver for social change and cohesion.

At WithByFor, we're all about supporting cultural organisations on this journey. Our expertise in co-creation and stakeholder engagement helps leaders foster inclusive practices and create cultural experiences that truly resonate with diverse communities. Together, we can transform the cultural sector and ensure that creativity and culture stay at the heart of our society.