A diverse group of artists has today announced the publication of a Manifesto that has been written over several months as a response to their own experiences working in the arts industry and a common belief that systemic discrimination runs throughout the industry. Energised by the sense that real change might be possible in the explosion of the Black Lives Matter movement and that there was a real opportunity to take, the group decided that they needed to be a force for good and to create a set of guidelines and expectations that individuals and organisations can commit to in their future working practice.
While focused on Black artists the group hopes that the principles will be applied to ensure equity for all groups facing barriers in the performing arts and entertainment industries and/or society more broadly due to their race, ethnicity or disability.
The group that created the Manifesto has included: Nick Makoha, Lola May, Jenni Jackson, Khalid Abdalla, David Webber, Ruth Mary Johnson, Fuel, Kate McGrath, Femi Elufowoju jr.
The Manifesto is currently endorsed by a host of people including Christopher Haydon and Rose Theatre, …
The Manifesto, which can be read in full here
Individuals and Organisations are asked to commit to the 10 points by signing up at the following links:
As an individual, I endorse this manifesto and pledge to play whatever part I can in moving forwards together to create a safe space, free of racism, for the Black artist and for all. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8TJVLPM
As an organisation: we endorse this manifesto and pledge to work together to create a safe space, free of racism, for the Black artist and for all. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8TJVLPM
