The UK’s first organisation dedicated to diversifying the arts by creating change at the leadership level, Artistic Directors of the Future, today announces the launch of ADF Bite-Size, a new online resource tool to empower members as they look to enhance artistic leadership skills. The e-learning platform has been developed to support those interested in furthering their careers in the Theatre and Arts sectors.
The ADF Bite-Size series will provide valuable support for artists as they navigate a route to career success. The first ADF Bite-Size video will focus on, Starting a Theatre Company, which will provide valuable support for aspiring theatre company founders. Other videos in the series include; Demystifying Leadership Roles, Understanding the Fundamentals of Marketing and PR, and Building and Refining Your Leadership Skills.
The ADF Bite-Size series is truly a ground-breaking effort by ADF; there are no virtual resources specifically designed to support diverse artists interested in connecting and learning in an online environment in the UK today. The series will empower participants as they build and develop their careers while providing an open platform to connect with others to share tips, advice, and learn.
ADF Bite-Size comes at a time the industry needs a much-needed boost to promote diversity. In fact, in the most recent census (2011), 19.5 percent of UK citizens are listed Black, Asian, or a Person of Colour, yet these communities are disproportionately represented in the industry, holding just seven out of 51 artistic director roles.
ADF Bite-Size is free to members of Artistic Directors of the Future, and the company is also set to launch a full series of online masterclasses to accompany the videos in 2021.
Simeilia Hodge-Dallaway, Founder and Artistic Director of Artistic Directors of the Future, comments: “The number of theatre companies led by Black, Asian, and People of Colour is at an all-time low. This directly impacts the lack of opportunities faced by Black, Asian, and People of Colour artists and leaders. We created ADF Bite-Size to provide resources for members of the organisation and inspire and support them in founding their own companies.”
The new online resource includes fun, informative, and engaging videos, handy worksheets, and additional information packs to support Black, Asian and People of Colour artists in getting their organisation off the ground, facilitated by leading professional specialists.
Hodge-Dallaway concluded, “The industry is building itself back up following the devastating effects of the pandemic, and at the same time, the arts sector is confronting issues around inequality. As such, there is no better time than now for talented artists to make their vision of becoming the founder of a theatre company a reality. We need visionaries, innovators, and purposeful-leaders to take action, take the space, and lead with integrity.”
Artistic Directors of the Future works across the creative industries to significantly improve the representation of ethnically diverse artistic leaders across the globe. The aim is to provide support and access to opportunities for Black, Asian, and People of Colour talent across theatre, dance, museums, and other creatives industries.
Artistic Directors of the Future is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
For further information or to become a member, visit: https://adofthefuture.com
