Arts Council England seeks ideas for improving sector diversity

Arts Council England (ACE) is conducting new research in a bid to understand how it, and the arts and cultural sector as a whole, can attract a more diverse workforce.

The findings will be used to inform ACE’s approach to building diversity in its own workforce and guide the way it leads the wider sector to adopt good practice.

“We would like to find out a bit more about your long-term career goals, your experiences of looking for work in the creative and cultural sectors, your knowledge and views about Arts Council England and your opinion on diversity in the sector,” the introduction to the survey reads.

Anyone who has worked in the arts and cultural sector is encouraged to complete an online survey, which is being carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES).

The survey asks about motivations for working in the arts and the experience of seeking employment in the sector, including how open and inclusive arts organisations are. It also asks for suggestions on how diversity could be encouraged and supported in ACE’s workforce and across the wider arts sector.

Lack of diversity

In 2014/15, 12.4% of those employed by ACE were reported to be from black and minority ethnic backgrounds (BME) and 3.3% were disabled. These figures are below England’s population as a whole, which according to the 2011 census is 14.5% BME and 17.6% disabled.

IES said: “The research aims to help Arts Council England attract the best and most diverse talent possible.”

A recent survey by ArtsProfessional found that arts workers were deeply conflicted about how to improve diversity in the workforce.

The survey will close on 7 April and a report on the findings will follow.