University announces new Centre for arts equality

A new initiative beginning at Birmingham City University next week (12 July) will seek to increase issues of diversity in educational settings and create cultural partnerships to promote equality and inclusion in the arts sector.

The Centre for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts (CEDIA) will see the University collaborate with local and global cultural partners and host a range of public lectures and workshops to share knowledge and best practise on de-colonising curriculums and developing creativity that is inclusive.

The Centre will also see academics and students working on dynamic projects with alumni, honorary graduates and arts organisations to contribute to diverse civic life in the Birmingham city region and beyond.

“Our outputs will also include public exhibitions, performances, and the production of new artistic collaborations,” explained Centre director Rajinder Dudrah, Professor of Cultural Studies and Creative Industries.

There will be training opportunities for academic communities too as we look to identify innovative and effective approaches to close engagement, participation and attainment gaps.

The new Centre will include a range of research groups including the University’s Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, a partner centre specialising in equality, diversity and inclusivity issues in the media industries.

CEDIA’s cultural partners include ArtsLab international and Creative Black Country, amongst others.