Anti-racism manifesto launched for creative spaces

Freelance artists are calling for the creation of an independent body to monitor diversity progress in theatre, and for change to be driven at leadership level, in a new manifesto that aims to make creative spaces safe and free of racism for black artists.

The manifesto has been created by Fuel Theatre’s community of freelancers, with contributing artists including Femi Elufowoju Jr, Nick Makoha, Lola May, Jenni Jackson, Khalid Abdalla, David Webber and Ruth Mary Johnson alongside Fuel director Kate McGrath.

Individuals and organisations are being urged to commit to the 10 points of the manifesto.

These include:

• A promise to nurture black creatives in all departments, especially in leadership roles.
• A new independent body, responsible for overseeing diversity taskforce groups, as well as monitoring progress, accountability and developing best practice within the industry.
• The provision of a black therapist on creative projects dealing with black subject matter.
• An anti-racism policy to be put in place by every theatre organisation, drawn up in consultation with its diversity task force.
• An integrated strategy to deal with bias across areas including contracts, casting, rehearsals and tours.

The manifesto states: “The purpose of this manifesto is to create a safe space free of racism for the black artist.

“To combat this problem, we must take racism out of the creative space and create meaningful change for black creatives. We must acknowledge that institutional racism is pervasive in the majority of cultural organisations.

“Action must be taken primarily by leaders of these institutions. This change requires new learning.”

The creators of the manifesto hope that the principles will be applied by organisations to ensure ensure equity for all groups facing barriers in the performing arts and entertainment industries because of their race, ethnicity or disability.