Boxed In: How cultural diversity policies constrict black artists

A Manifesto Club provocation essay, by artist Sonya Dyer, argues that diversity schemes and targets are pigeonholing black and Asian artists. She calls for an honest debate within the sector, and for artistic value and curatorial independence to be placed at the centre of arts funding.

Download SCREEN or PRINT version.

The LAUNCH EVENT was held on Saturday 2 June at Camden Arts Centre, London. There is also a COMMENT PAGE, to discuss the ideas raised in the essay.

'Boxed In' was reviewed in The Times (London), by the artist Grayson Perry.

‘Sonya's essay is an important contribution to the growing feeling of unease about the state of modern British culture, where - as she details convincingly - "diversity" is all too often a euphemism for stasis.’ Jatinder Verma, Tara Arts

‘I much admire what Sonya has written. Clear and coolly argued.’ Andrew Brighton, writer and painter, and contributing editor to Critical Quarterly

Find out about and get involved in the Manifesto Club's Artistic Autonomy hub.

See the PRESS RELEASE.