Anti-racism conference to ‘rebuild and reset’

The conference, ‘Speak – Listen – Reset – Heal’, runs on 3, 10 and 24 November and will acknowledge systematic and structural racism in performing arts. Through ‘authentic’ dialogue between senior leaders and the diverse workforce, artists and organisations that interact with them, it is hoped that the sessions will effect real change.

Created and led by Amanda Parker of Inc Arts UK and actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, the sessions will be held live and will not be available to watch after the event as a recording. The first session, ‘Speak & Listen’ is for Black, Asian and ethnically diverse industry workers only and will be a safe space to share honest experiences. The second and third sessions are open to anyone in the sector interested in meaningful changes. The organisers encourage senior management, decisions-makers and board members from all areas of the sector to attend.

Director of Inc Arts UK Amanda Parker said, ‘To make positive progress in the sector, it’s vital that we share what’s really happening, and what’s really happened for the ethnically diverse workforce. This conference will allow for historic hurts to be acknowledged, lived experiences shared and collectively owned, and for us in the sector to hold ourselves accountable.

‘We have an unprecedented opportunity to do something radical, challenging and wonderful together: to speak our truths, listen, and together create the conditions of change in this sector that will rebuild and reset with inclusion at the core.’

Booking for the conference opens on 6 October at 12pm. Follow the links below: 

• Session 1: Speak & Listen Session.
• Session 2: Listen & Reset Session.
• Session 3: Reset & Heal Session.