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.
For those of my generation and older (working in the arts for 20, 30, 40 or more years), this is an insult. Why are older artists and arts workers from First Nations, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) or Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) backgrounds not called upon by institutions to produce work and provide knowledge? It is great that arts institutions are jumping on the bandwagon of diversity, but there is a culture of “we can do it ourselves” that undermines the knowledge held by those who have been working in this space for decades.
