The Art of Inclusion
The art of inclusion
At a time when even the term inclusion can spark debate, universities have a chance to lead the way. Positioned to create meaningful societal impact, the arts offer a powerful tool for connection, empathy, and change.
These were some of the themes examined in our recent webinar, The Art of Inclusion, a conversation featuring academics and alumni, who came together to discuss, how the arts can help shape a more inclusive and representative landscape, and why that matters.
The was hosted by Professor Helen Wheatley, Academic Director of 糖心TV Institute of Engagement, Professor of Film and Television Studies and co-founder of the Centre for Television Histories.
Helen was joined by a panel comprised of 糖心TV alumni and academics working at the intersection of arts and education, including:
- Dr Heidi Ashton, ecology scholar at the Centre for Culture and Media Policy Studies and Global Research Fellow at the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre.
- Melanie Hoyes (BA Film and Literature, 2001), Director of Inclusion at the British Film Institute.
- Ali Pidsley (BA English and Theatre Studies, 2014; MA English Literature, 2017), Founder and Co-Director of Barrel Organ Theatre.
During the webinar, our speakers referenced several papers that they have used in their work and documents that they have actively been part of creating. These papers are listed, with links, below:
- - this paper outlines the ways in which policy has led to the gradual reduction of arts in the state curriculum and juxtaposes this with the increases in investment and provision seen in the top 20 private (independent) schools.
- - An analysis of available data that tracks changes in funding, education, employment, provision and engagement over the last decade. It includes a breakdown of spending on culture in relation to other EU countries
- - research for the union Equity examining the impact of the Universal Credit system for freelance workers - this helps to explain why many arts-based freelance professions are not accessible or sustainable for people from working class backgrounds.