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'Are the Humanities for Us?' Being Human preview event

Humans need the humanities. But which humans? Because the evidence shows that some groups are effectively excluded from this field, particularly those from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Join us on the 30 October 2019 for an event that looks at how we can work together to address these inequalities.

This year the Being Human festival is holding a special preview event which aims to address underlying issues around black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) diversity in both academia and the creative industries. This free public discussion will address important concerns around who is being left out, and what is being done to make change happen. 'Are the Humanities for Us?' will explore the barriers people from minority ethnic  backgrounds may encounter, and why they may be discouraged from setting off down a pathway that leads to them becoming writers, artists, academics, or considering other professions in the creative and cultural industries. What progress has been made so far in tackling these issues? What important changes do we still need to work towards? The panel draws together a range of voices to address these shared issues across the sector. Speakers include:

  • Professor Joan Anim-Addo (Professor of Caribbean Literature and Culture at Goldsmiths, University of London)
  • Dr Jonathan Saha (Associate Professor of History at University of Leeds, co-author of RHS Race, Ethnicity & Equality report).
  • Sandeep Mahal (Director for Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature)
  • Susuana Amoah (Arts Emergency)
  • Dr Christienna Fryar (Lecturer in Black British History at Goldsmiths, University of London)

This event is in collaboration with Arts Emergency, an award winning charity and network. Their mission is to help marginalised young people overcome barriers to participation and success in higher education and the creative and cultural industries. Throughout the evening some of these young people will do short performances and readings, sharing their thoughts and hopes about future studies and careers.