Arts Council England diversity report shows progress but persistent gaps in senior leadership

Arts Council England released its 'Equality, Diversity and the Creative Case, 2015-16' report on December 14, 2016, revealing mixed findings about workforce diversity in the UK arts and culture sector. While the data indicates increasing representation of ethnic minorities among employees, significant underrepresentation persists for disabled audiences and individuals in senior positions. Chief Executive Darren Henley emphasized the need to identify barriers and create pathways for all talented young people, regardless of background. The report examines the socio-economic profiles of arts workers, noting that women, ethnic minorities, and disabled people remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Henley specifically mentioned black, Asian, working-class white, urban, and rural youth as groups who should see clear roadmaps to success. The full report was made available for download through Arts Council England's publication channels.