Widespread inequalities exist in arts and culture sectors

A report by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre and presented by Channel 4 News, reveals widespread inequalities in the arts, culture and heritage sectors.

UK arts, culture and heritage: audiences & workforce brings together data from the 2021 census and the quarterly Labour Force Survey.

According to the report, working class people are under-represented in every area of arts and culture with figures showing that 60% of those working in film, TV and radio grew up in a household where the main income earner was in a managerial or professional role. The equivalent figure for the general workforce is 43%. In music and performing arts, just 16% come from working class communities.

The report also revealed that 90% of managers and directors working in the arts are white. Men accounted for nearly 70% of those in managerial positions — and only 1% of those managers were Black.

Underrepresented people often struggle to access arts careers because of lack of fair and reliable wages and access to networks and connections.

The performing arts and entertainment trade union, Equity, said the research “reveals the scandalous lack of opportunities for working class creatives in film and TV.

“We cannot allow a situation where the creative arts are dominated by the privileged and wealthy. We are witnessing a lost generation of working-class voices and talent”.