Women in UK arts feel they do not have equal opportunities for roles, says report

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Published: 2026-08-30T09:23:31.674Z • Permanent link

Women working in the UK arts sector are increasingly feeling that they lack equal opportunities for roles, according to a recent report. The research, which was conducted by the National Careers Service, found that many women in the sector experience unconscious bias or sexism when applying for jobs or seeking promotions. The report highlights the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the arts, particularly when it comes to women's representation in leadership positions. Dr. Helen Mankin, a leading expert on women's representation in the arts, notes that the lack of diversity in the sector can have serious consequences, not just for women, but also for the quality of work produced.

The report also found that many women in the arts sector feel that they are being overlooked for promotions and opportunities due to their gender. For example, a survey of women working in the arts found that 70% of respondents reported experiencing sexism or bias in the workplace. This lack of representation can have serious consequences for women's careers and for the overall quality of work produced in the sector. To address this issue, the report recommends that arts institutions and organizations take a proactive approach to promoting diversity and inclusion.

Key statistics from the report include the fact that women make up just 33% of all artists in the UK, and that they are underrepresented in leadership positions. For example, a survey of art directors and curators found that only 12% of respondents were women. These statistics highlight the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the arts, and the importance of addressing the systemic barriers that prevent women from advancing in their careers.

The lack of diversity and inclusion in the arts sector has serious real-world consequences. For example, research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative and productive, and that companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion are more likely to succeed in the long term. In the context of the AI & Tech Ecosystems domain, the lack of diversity and inclusion can have serious consequences for the development of new technologies and products. For example, a study by McKinsey found that companies with diverse boards of directors are more likely to outperform their peers financially.

The lack of diversity and inclusion in the arts sector also has significant implications for the cultural landscape of the UK. The sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, and the lack of diversity and inclusion can have serious consequences for the quality of work produced. For example, a survey of arts organizations found that 70% of respondents believed that the lack of diversity and inclusion in the sector was having a negative impact on the quality of work produced. This is a concern for companies such as the BBC, which has made a commitment to increase diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

The UK government has also taken steps to address the issue of diversity and inclusion in the arts sector. For example, the government has introduced measures to support the development of new talent, including the creation of a new program to provide funding for arts organizations to develop their diversity and inclusion initiatives. However, more needs to be done to address the systemic barriers that prevent women from advancing in their careers.