By KLTV Newsdesk – 

A new research project is inviting Global Majority artists, cultural workers and residents to share their experiences and help shape a fairer local cultural sector

A major new study examining how Global Majority communities are represented in Kirklees’ arts and culture launched today (Monday 28 September).

The Seat at the Table study, commissioned on behalf of the Culture Collective Kirklees, will look at the representation, participation and experiences of Global Majority people across the district’s cultural sector. It aims to identify the barriers to access and the changes needed to make visibility and inclusion fairer for everyone.

The research is being delivered in partnership with Kirklees Local TV, The University of Huddersfield, Centre for Cultural Ecologies in Art, Design and Architecture and Proper Job Theatre Company.

Who the study is for

The term Global Majority refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, Indigenous to the Global South, and/or racialised as ethnic minorities.

Although these groups make up the majority of the world’s population, they are often marginalised and under-represented in cultural spaces.

Organisers are calling on Global Majority artists, cultural professionals and community members across Kirklees to take part, saying their insights are essential to building an accurate picture of the sector today.

From conversation to action

The study will gather both personal stories and statistical data to produce a full report covering:

• The level of Global Majority representation in Kirklees arts and culture
• How far Global Majority communities take part in local creative activities
• The specific barriers affecting access, visibility and inclusion
• The support and resources needed for leadership and career development
• The practical changes Kirklees Council and cultural organisations need to make to improve representation and access

Speaking on the survey, a spokesperson for the Culture Collective Kirklees said: “The arts should be a mirror to our whole community, but we know that for many Global Majority artists and residents in Kirklees, that mirror doesn’t reflect their reality.

“The ‘Seat at the Table’ project is about listening, understanding, and committing to meaningful change. We urge everyone with a stake in Kirklees culture to take part and help us build a sector where everyone truly has a seat at the table.”

How to take part

The study is open to all people who live or work in Kirklees.

Participants can complete an online survey, and those who want to share their stories in more depth can opt in to a follow-up conversation.

The survey is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-6iiKbTK6c02CcU2AsK1b-IEik0lbI-P-tlkZCYNAgPd3Kw/viewform?usp=dialog

About the Culture Collective Kirklees

The Culture Collective Kirklees is a network of cultural organisations and individuals working to build a thriving, inclusive and collaborative cultural scene in the region.

More information is available at https://www.culturecollective.org.uk/