OVER A third of Black creatives have watched their white peers’ careers progress faster than theirs, according to a damning new report.

New research from the International Body of Art (IBA) has found that 38 percent of Black creatives have watched their white peers’ careers progress both further and faster than theirs. 

Sadly, the report also found that 26 percent of Black creatives have had to stop pursuing art careers due to limited financial backing.

The report comes despite the growing demand for Black art.

Between 2008 and 2021, demand for Black art increased by a staggering 400 percent , according to the Burns Halperin Report.

The IBA is a contemporary arts company working to create a more inclusive and accessible art world, for both artists and their audience.

The body say it’s time for real change and no more “token gestures” in the UK Art scene.

CEO of International Body of Art, Maria Artool, said: “Within an often exclusive art world, our mission is to break down the entrenched barriers that exist – which often confine creativity.

“This means offering up a platform for underrepresented artists to thrive. Change demands more than mere representation; it requires authentic inclusion.

“Too often, the art world’s embrace of marginalised artists comes in the form of token gestures. 
 
“Our vision is to help create an art community that intertwines and weaves together talent from every corner. True diversity is about connection and collaboration and offering up a platform for everyone to discover their talents, passions and interests within the space.

“The time has come to redefine the narrative and trade tokenism for true resonance. Collaboration isn’t fashionable, but essential.” 

Despite the popularity of Black-British films and television shows such as Top Boy and Riches skyrocketing over the past few years – with BAME representation on screen in Britain jumping to 25.6 percent – Black creatives are still striving for parity in key areas such as pay and representation. 

Reports show that black creatives, on average, make 35% less than their white counterparts.

The IBA’s data also found that 32% of Black creatives are the only person from a minority background in their workplace. 

The Runnymeade Trust’s research into the art sector also unveiled inequalities, with only 2.7 percent of the workforce being from a “Black, Asian or ethnically diverse” background and at grassroots levels in early education, 94 percent of arts teachers are white.