Breaking barriers through creativity

Despite the creative industry contributing over ￡100bn to the UK economy each year, GCSE arts have declined by 47% and A Level arts entries declined by 29% since 2010. On top of this, the proportion of working class actors, musicians and writers has shrunk by half since the 1970s . People who grew up in professional families are four times more likely than those with working-class parents to be in creative work. There are many people who have faced barriers to a creative career, and not solely down to financial difficulties – it is a frustration that there is still a lot of bias. Taken from a recent post I wrote about some of my experiences, I have listed some ways to challenge the subtle bias that still exists in the creative industry, and in all of us (though we may not care to admit it). You can read the full post here .

Ways to use creativity to break barriers:

• Share what you know. Normalise transparency in an industry that gate-keeps information.
• When you add quotations of people to back up your ideas, think about who you’re quoting. Could you look a little harder and find people reflecting more diverse voices??
• Regularly challenge your bias when you judge a piece of art or design – try to look at it without knowing anything about the creator. Are you surprised when the gender or ethnicity of the maker is revealed? Imagine it was created by someone different, would it alter your view of it?
• Stop asking freelancers, especially underrepresented groups, to work for free. That includes unpaid work placements. Don’t ask them to give beyond what is required because you think they would get exposure from your opportunity. Any free labour is their choice, not a requirement. Only they can say how the work would benefit them if they chose to do it.
• Stop working for free or throwing in extras, unless the work is for causes you care about. Be straight with friends or family who continually expect your free work by association. Working for free increases this expectation for others who may not have the same time or resources as you.
• Stop sucking up to people who take advantage of you because of their status. You are helping them get away with it with others too.
• Be practical about what help you need and ask for it. Perfectionism creates an ableist culture that prevents others from entering.
• Stop offering unsolicited advice to those you think are less successful than you. You are making assumptions. Instead, share generously the things that have helped you (and be real about your privilege).
• Where you can, shop with independent makers. Make a habit of planning in advance so you’re not always rushing to Amazon.
• Don’t be afraid to show your voice in your work. That’s not for everyone, but if you have something to say, say it.?Don’t take for granted the privilege of creative expression.
• Stop obsessing over productivity. It feeds a narrative that we should constantly produce and not allow time for ideas or rest. This is not sustainable for most people (especially for those who are also carers or don't have domestic help).
• Stop trying to be nice. It’s boring (sorry) (not sorry) (still not there yet).
• Stop believing the hype from people who say they got here on their own. Got where? Why is it better? Most people aren’t transparent about the help they received to feel more successful.?
• Take time to notice creativity in the everyday – what people are making in their homes or overlooked at work. Encourage them. Learn crafts. Teach crafts. Normalise making things.
• If you’re in a position to commission or hire artists and designers, be transparent about money. State your budget upfront. Stop expecting working class people to offer up low fees.
• Don’t get angry with people who say no to you (unless it’s payment for your work!). Equally, don’t get angry with women who charge for their time or resources if you would not be angry with a man for doing the same thing.
• When you can be generous to those that need it, expect nothing in return. Don’t complain if you don’t get a thank you, that’s not the reason you gave your time, right??
• A little bit of good is better than nothing. Do small things to promote change – start with the ways you talk about others in the industry.?
• Make workplaces accessible. For example, enabling flexible working for those that need it is more likely to increase productivity, not decrease it.
• Normalise creativity alongside ‘day jobs’ – stop the narrative that ‘full-time’ creatives have some form of higher power. It’s bullshit. Encourage creatives who also work a side job and respect their commitment to their craft. If you have a side job, you can still call yourself an artist.
• Where you seek inspiration for your art, make an effort to look up work by the people that have been systematically overlooked.
• Join the Arts Emergency network
• Honour your craft. Rebel against the concept that creativity is a luxury. Instead, carve out creative time and explore. Encourage others to do the same. Creativity gives people a voice.

Have any others to add? Comment below. If you'd like to read the full post or other articles I've written you can find them here: https://www.lisamaltby.com/resources