Supporting Minoritised Audiences, Artists, and Staff Safety

As the busy summer season continues, our sector colleagues are in full swing bringing joy and inspiration across the country. While events like these unify and celebrate diverse communities through high quality engagement and storytelling, the abuse of minoritised individuals in public spaces continues to be reported.

OutdoorArtsUK is requesting colleagues to remain mindful of these ongoing social tensions and put in place as much preventative and responsive action plans to deal with agitators. Although there is no immediate intelligence of unrest, we are signposting the guidance we released in response to last summer’s race riots here as a way of raising awareness.

Minoritised artists, staff, and audiences will feel much safer through assurances and positive action plan. For example, minoritised artists will feel more confident when appropriate and sensitive Security and Stewarding Staff are in place for their performances. Agitators can then be identified and dealt with swiftly. Such provision will in turn benefit minoritised staff and audiences, too.

The Outdoor Arts Sector continues to play a crucial role for social cohesion of diverse communities. The part we play comes into sharp focus in challenging times because of our healing power. We had the privilege of witnessing this in the middle of the race riots in the North East last year, as reported in our blog here.

A Callout: Festivals Coming Together to Co-Develop Anti-Racism Work?

OutdoorArtsUK would like to hear from outdoor festival colleagues who are interested in co-developing and piloting an Anti-Racism “Toolkit + Training + Mentoring” package with us in the future. Please contact us if you would like to discuss further.