Equality and diversity within the arts and cultural sector in England

This report establishes a baseline of data, evidence and research about equality and diversity across the arts and cultural sector in England. It offers a snapshot of current trends and challenges across four key themes: arts and cultural audiences, arts and cultural participation, workforce, and access to finance.

Factors Influencing Engagement

The research considers the evidence base across each of the groups that are protected by equality legislation, as well as socio-economic status and educational attainment. Advanced statistical analysis has consistently shown that two of the most important factors influencing arts and cultural engagement are educational attainment and socio-economic background. Barriers can be practical, institutional, psychological and driven by an individual's identity and tastes. Approval and support from an individual's social circle can also sway their decision to participate.

Disabled Engagement

In terms of protected groups, the review finds that disabled audiences' engagement is largely dictated by practical factors like cost and access, which can create a vicious cycle of depressed demand. Economic barriers are more sharply felt by disabled people who are more likely to live in low-income households. Disabled employees and disabled-led organisations are under-represented in funded portfolios.

Ethnic Minority Engagement

For people from ethnic minority backgrounds, arts engagement has shown no statistically significant change between 2005/06 and 2012/13, with the gap widening compared to white audiences. Barriers include lack of time, cost, and feeling uncomfortable. Ethnic minority workers are also under-represented, especially in leadership roles.

Gender Representation

Women report higher levels of arts engagement than men, though the workforce has seen a decrease in female representation. Women are well-represented in management but less so on boards, and face challenges around career breaks and work-life balance.

Older people have seen increases in arts engagement, but those over 75 are less likely to engage. The report highlights the importance of early-life exposure to the arts in influencing later engagement.

The review identifies gaps in the evidence base, particularly around sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy/maternity, marriage/civil partnership, and gender reassignment. It recommends further research to better understand barriers and motivations across protected groups, as well as workforce diversity challenges.