Resources for the theatre sectorOur directory of resources is not definitive. In relation to artistic companies, as a starting point, we have focussed on NPOs (National Portfolio Organisations). We have tried to get a good spread of companies from around the country, not just London. We have highlighted the three largest groups of ethnic minorities in the UK as they have the largest representation of theatrical work from the last few years and decades. We know there will be more organisations, and more ethnic minority groups, who we can represent.
Researching for this work has raised some interesting questions for us: what defines a diverse organisation? Some organisations have specific remits and artistic objectives embedded in their values and mission statement. For example, some are focussed on presenting work by Black voices, or presenting traditional East Asian stories. Some organisations take a more inclusive approach and reflect the stories of their diverse communities on stage. Some organisations have Black or Brown-skinned leaders at their helms, others have diverse workforces (see this Arts Council England guidance on defining ‘diverse led’ organisations).
We all need to question what our organisations’ purposes are. If promoting diversity and anti-racism practices are not embedded in our DNA, then what kind of an organisation are we? To quote Angela Davies: ‘It’s not enough to not be racist. You need to be anti-racist.’
Projects followed by an asterisk have either been run, supported financially, or provided with resources and promotion by UK Theatre and Society of London Theatre (SOLT).
We welcome feedback and additional contributions – please email ukt@soltukt.co.uk.