Recently we have seen an increase in the number of mainstream theatre companies and arts institutions rectifying their historical lack of engagement with non-Anglo artists, content and audiences. Some companies seek advice, training and guidance to do this. However, some companies, especially larger, better resourced companies, implement their own diversity initiatives.
The realisation in the arts that there is a need to diversify, that it is no longer acceptable to produce only work by Anglo-Celtic Australians or to portray only a white Australian perspective, is long overdue. The recognition that leadership and management of arts companies can no longer be represented by a narrow and predominantly Anglo-Celtic demographic is something that we who live and work in “diverse” Australia are of course pleased about. As arts companies seek to diversify, however, it is important not to maintain racist and colonialist strategies that perpetuate white mythologies of superiority.
