£4.6 million to help diversity flourish
We’re investing £4.6 million through our Sustained Theatre and Change Makers programmes to help diversity flourish within England’s arts and cultural sector, from its senior leadership and creative talent to the artistic work being produced.
This latest investment will support Black and minority ethnic theatre makers, and disabled and BME leaders.
It brings the total amount we’re investing this year through our Diversity programmes to £11.8 million. A significant increase on the £8.5 million we announced in 2015.
Sustained Theatre
Through our Sustained Theatre programme we’re investing £2.1 million to support the creation and touring of new plays by Black and minority ethnic theatre-makers, helping to support talent development and create new career paths into the sector at all levels.
It’s vital that we see diversity reflected both on and offstage, ensuring that diverse talent is given every opportunity to flourish.
“Our investment in Sustained Theatre recognises the incredible talent of Black and minority ethnic theatre-makers across England,” said Abid Hussain our Director for Diversity.
“This programme will increase the presence of diverse artistic talent within the theatre sector in England, something we want to see embedded across the wider arts and cultural sector in the long term.”
The five organisations receiving funding are:
- Birmingham Repertory Theatre in partnership with Talawa Theatre Company
- The Bush Theatre
- Eclipse Theatre
- Tamasha Theatre
- Tiata Fahodzi
Talking about the investment for The REP and Talawa Theatre Company, actor and writer Meera Syal said: “This is such exciting news for audiences and actors, a chance to celebrate and showcase our best talent in some of our best theatres. As actress Viola Davies said when she picked up her EMMY, ‘The only thing that separates us from other people is opportunity.’ And finally, here it is.”
Read more about the five successful Sustained Theatre projects.
Change Makers
Our £2.57 million investment through our Change Makers programme is aimed at increasing the diversity of senior leaders within England’s arts and cultural organisations.
The money will support twenty National Portfolio Organisations or Major Partner Museums to host training placements for disabled and Black minority ethnic leaders from across the country with bursaries.
Leading on projects, and supported by tailored development programmes, these Change Makers will gain the relevant experience, knowledge skills and confidence needed to compete for Artistic Director, Chief Executive or other senior leadership positions in the future.
We’re committed to ensuring the diversity of England is better reflected at a leadership level across the arts and cultural sector.
“Through our Change Makers programme, these twenty disabled and BME leaders will have an inspiring and transformational opportunity to realise their leadership potential, giving them the confidence and the experience to take their next step into a senior leadership role, helping to shape the future of our sector,” said Abid Hussain our Director for Diversity.
The twenty successful organisations to receive funding and the individuals this will support include:
- Battersea Arts Centre and Jess Thom
- Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and James Rose
- University of Cambridge Museums and Malavika Anderson
- Manchester City Galleries and Fareda Khan
- Royal & Derngate and The Core at Corby Cube (Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust) and Andrew Miller
Talking about the Change Makers programme, Jess Thom said: “I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work with Battersea Arts Centre as part of the Changer Makers programme.
“I’m looking forward to making new work and creating a blueprint that supports our cultural spaces to be open, accessible and welcoming to all.”
Read about all of the Change Makers.
