The English theatre industry has launched plans to combat institutional racism in the sector with the publication of a strategy that aims to create more and better opportunities for Black, Asian and Chinese artists and professionals.

The strategy, called ‘The Eclipse Report’ is a collaborative venture between the Arts Council of England, the Theatrical Management Association (TMA), East Midland Arts and the Nottingham Playhouse, and was released on 18 April.

Peter Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of England explained the determined nature and importance of the strategy, ‘the imperative to conquer institutional racism and to embrace and celebrate the diversity of the world’s cultures has never been more acute, especially after the events of 2001. Implementing the recommendations in Eclipse will need commitment, financial investment and courage, but will benefit not only the arts, but society in this country as a whole.’

Key recommendations of the strategy include:

• Development of latest research on numbers of Black, Asian and Chinese actors and other personnel working in the theatre industry and their professional aspirations;
• Development and monitoring of Equal Opportunity policies and Positive Action plans for theatres receiving public money;
• Provision of relevant training for board members, senior managers and staff;
• Identification of funds for Equal Opportunities training for theatre staff;
• Better sharing of information across the sector, including establishing a Black, Asian and Chinese artists' database;
• Developing awareness of the legal responsibilities associated with the new amendments to the Race Relations Act 2000.

The Eclipse Report is a response to Arts Council of England statistics for 1998/1999 which showed a poor representation of Black, Asian and Chinese people on the boards and staff of English theatres. Recommendations for the report were developed during conference sessions at Nottingham Playhouse in the summer of 2001 attended by representatives from producing and presenting theatres across England.

Seminars are  planned for senior managers and board members of regional theatres to discuss how to create positive action in light of the Eclipse Report. These will take place across the country later in 2002.

For a copy of the Eclipse Report (PDF format) go to: www.artscouncil.org.uk/publications/pdfs/eclipse.pdf