ACE to monitor diversity of artists and performers employed by NPOs

National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) will be required to report on the diversity profile of all of their workforce, including artists and performers on temporary contracts, as a condition of their funding, Arts Council England (ACE) has announced. ACE has previously monitored the diversity of NPOs’ permanent employees and board members, but this will be the first time artists are also accounted for. The move supports its artistic-led approach, the ‘Creative Case for diversity’, which argues that “diversity and equality are crucial to the arts because they sustain, refresh, replenish and release the true potential of England’s artistic talent, regardless of people’s background.”

A recent report by the DCMS revealed that just 6.7% of people employed by music, performing and visual arts organisations are from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; one of the lowest proportions in the creative industries. NPOs and Major Partner Museums will be expected to develop equality action plans to address the underrepresentation of certain protected groups across their workforce. ACE will require organisations to report on their progress in its annual survey which covers the year 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2016.

The announcement coincides with the introduction of a new ‘Three Ticks’ diversity scheme by the British Film Institute. From September all films supported with Lottery funding must meet at least two of three criteria: at least one lead character must be “positively reflecting diversity”; at least two heads of department must be from diverse backgrounds; and paid internships and jobs must be offered to “new entrants from diverse backgrounds”.

Actors union Equity welcomed ACE’s move, General Secretary Christine Payne said: “Compulsory monitoring of on-stage talent will for the first time shine a light on the diversity of talent and allow audiences and actors alike to press for change if the monitoring demonstrates change is necessary.”