Story:
The National Lottery, in partnership with Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh, launched the Game Changers campaign, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals in the UK arts industry. Despite progress in on-screen diversity, a new survey revealed that 38% of Black and 37% of Asian respondents experience discrimination in hiring within the arts. The campaign urges support for grassroots arts groups to promote inclusivity and allow all communities to tell their stories.
The campaign’s focal point, Adjoa Andoh, uses her platform to amplify the importance of representation and inclusivity in the arts. She is calling on the public to nominate individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities over the last 30 years for the Game Changers campaign. The campaign will spotlight 30 individuals who have played a pivotal role in making the arts more inclusive.
Challenges:
- Systemic Bias: 38% of Black and 37% of Asian respondents report facing discrimination in arts employment.
- Workplace Disparities: 25% of BAME individuals struggle to find inclusive workplaces in the arts.
- Cultural Identity Conflicts: A significant percentage of individuals from mixed or multiple ethnic backgrounds find balancing cultural identity in the workplace challenging.
Actions:
- Campaign Launch: Adjoa Andoh launched the Game Changers campaign, drawing attention to the high levels of bias and underrepresentation of BAME individuals in the arts.
- Survey Insights: The campaign used survey data to expose the inequalities, focusing on the need for inclusive work environments and increased funding for grassroots arts venues.
- Public Engagement: Through national media coverage and events, the campaign called on the public to nominate community members who have championed arts inclusivity.
Results:
- Media Hits: The campaign secured over 7,000 media opportunities, with a total reach of 4.5 billion across outlets like BBC and ITV, raising awareness of the disparities BAME individuals face in the arts.
- Public Response: A significant increase in nominations for the Game Changers campaign, highlighting 30 extraordinary individuals for their contributions to promoting diversity in the arts.
Key Takeaways:
- Urgency for Inclusivity: The campaign emphasised the need for more inclusive workspaces and increased support for BAME individuals in the arts.
- On-Screen Diversity: 40% of respondents, especially younger age groups, believe on-screen diversity helps break down stereotypes and promotes broader societal change.
