Equity has responded to a new report on inequalities saying it needs to be a “wake-up call” to stop the arts being the preserve of the elite.
The report by the Sutton Trust, Elitist Britain, reveals stark inequalities in access and diversity at the top of the creative sectors.
The report shows that:
· Almost a third (32%) of leading actors attended an independent school, over four times the UK average (7%). Less than half (41%) attended a state comprehensive.
· Over two thirds (68%) of film and TV stars in this report attended university, up from 42% in 2019, with around a third (32%) attending a specialist arts institution.
· Precarious nature of employment, unpaid internships and prevalence of short fixed-term contracts shared informally all recognised as barriers for disadvantaged young people and working-class creatives.
This report’s findings come as no shock, but it needs to be a wake-up call to the industry because it’s about whose stories are being told, who gets to tell them and how.
Stephanie Greer, Chair of Equity Class Network
Commenting on the report, Stephanie Greer, Chair of Equity Class Network, said: “Working class creatives find it increasingly difficult to break into and sustain a career in the performing arts and entertainment industries. This report’s findings come as no shock, but it needs to be a wake-up call to the industry because it’s about whose stories are being told, who gets to tell them and how.
“Equity's Class Network launched our Class Manifesto in May this year, setting out our demands to both government and the industry - from free childcare to making class a protected characteristic under the Equality Act. We believe these demands are key to increasing working class representation in the arts. Equity is calling for a boost to arts education in schools to reverse the decline in opportunities and those studying the arts. We also want an end to audition fees for drama schools and creative courses – just one of many barriers to entry. The decline of continuing dramas and soaps is also erasing what was once a common entry point to TV acting for working class creatives – another door closed.
“The success of productions like Adolescence shows why it’s so important that arts are not the preserve of the elite. But without an elite education or access to the Bank of Mum and Dad, it's harder and harder to build and sustain a career in a creative profession. This must change.”
Equity’s Class Network fights for Equity's working-class members and for working-class representation in the arts. It is open to Equity members - find out more and join today.
Read the Equity Class Network manifesto.
