Creating the new narrative for Diversity in Arts

Yesterday I had the pleasure to speak at the Birmingham Hippodrome Symposium- Creating the space for diversity, a narrative for the new normal.

I heard from amazing people within the arts sector, who all shared their provocations around the word “diversity” and what they thought diversity should look like in the arts.

“We should shine the spotlight on the diverse talent we have and give them the opportunity to network and share opportunities”

But the diverse new talent need visibility, they need to be seen and that means that arts organisations need to be permeable and offer suitable routes in for creatives.

Organisations should look at diversity as an opportunity to expand and grow their services at every level, not just the front of house but at board level.  The question should be what can diversity do for me? As opposed to what should we do about the diversity agenda.  For the amazing new talent, “no one is going to save us” we must be ready to put ourselves out there and be persistent in the change we want to see. 

For me the new narrative is about connecting with the hearts and minds of those we are trying to reach both ways.   Making real lasting relationships and creating TRUST between the two.  Using our values-based approach we can make meaningful lasting relationships by investing TIME

Do not forget the fun factor, we played music and got the room dancing and moving,

Time and trust, helps to build relationships, so when the question was asked “once we have completed a diverse event, do the audience feel that they can come back?” I answered based on what I know to be true

“when we instil the real values of time, trust, fun and laughter, it is then that we develop true relationships, that are long lasting”

I would like to thank Helga Henry and Lara Ratnaraja for inviting me to share my values and start to create the new narrative.