At Agents for Change, we are on a mission to break down the barriers which people from typically underrepresented groups face while pursuing a creative career. We are motivated by the fact that we are far from alone while fighting the good fight.
Countless initiatives are also pushing for the creative industries, and the wider world, to do better - with many focusing their efforts on supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) artists and designers. Below is a list of insightful and uplifting agencies, projects and platforms...
AZEEMA
AZEEMA is a print magazine, online platform and creative agency, exploring the strength and creativity of women and non-binary folk of the Global Majority.
Website: azeemamag.com
Instagram: @azeemamag
BGF Studios
BGF Studios is a cultural studio and consultancy specialising in social innovation, community and experiences. By providing grants, hosting events and facilitating authentic partnerships, they provide opportunity and connection for Black female creatives.
Website: blackgirlfest.com
Instagram: @blackgirlfest
Blacklisted
Released in 2021, Blacklisted is a podcast dedicated to discussing uncomfortable subjects surrounding race, creativity and diversity. Produced by creative creative agency Nuff Said, the limited series features a host of special guests diving into how creative culture can do better.
Listen to the Podcast on Spotify here.
BookTrust Represents
BookTrust Represents is a programme created to promote and improve the representation of people of colour in children’s books so that all children read a range of books that reflect them and their wider communities.
Website: booktrust.org.uk
Instagram: @booktrust
The British Blacklist
The British Blacklist is a media platform that celebrates the work of UK-based Black creatives and those of the wider Diaspora who work across screen, stage and literature.
Website: thebritishblacklist.co.uk
Instagram: @thebritishblacklist
Clove
Clove is an international magazine dedicated to the culture of South Asia – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. It explores the forces shaping this rapidly changing region and its relationship to the world - from art, design and music to political and social movements.
Website: clovemagazine.com
Creative Access
On a mission to shape a creative industry which truly reflects our society, Creative Access is one of the leading diversity organisations in the UK. They work with under-represented groups to help them not only enter the creative workforce but thrive within it.
Website: creativeaccess.org.uk
Instagram: @creativeaccess
Creative Debuts
The Black Artists Grant offered by Creative Debuts is a no-strings-attached financial support to help Black artists. It was set up to counteract the systematic lack of support for BAME creatives and recipients are free to spend the money on whatever they choose.
Website: creativedebuts.co.uk
Instagram: @creativedebuts
Design Can
Design Can is an online platform fuelled by the belief that the creative industries can and will do better. With the help of artistic allies from all areas of the industry, they push for the design community to confront prejudices, eliminate discrimination and achieve creative equality.
Website: design-can.com
Instagram: @_designcan__
Fuse
Fuse is an online platform dedicated to elevating the voices of under-represented ethnic minority creatives. Since launching in 2019, the project has sprouted chapters all over the world, from Birmingham to Barcelona, with a different host taking charge of each new city.
Website: fusemcr.com
Instagram: @fusemanchester
The Kusp
The Kusp is a not-for-profit social enterprise improving access for under-represented talent in the creative media industries through talent development and talent sourcing
Website: thekusp.co.uk
Instagram: @the_kusp
No Trace
No Trace is a BAME-led production company who have collaborated and produced content for several global brands. Diversity and creating opportunities for under-represented groups is their fundamental principle.
Website: notracefilm.com
Instagram: @notracefilm
Other Box
Other Box is a social impact company on a mission to address the power imbalances that exist in the world. They work with people and companies who care about creating more inclusive ways of being.
Website: otherbox.co
Instagram: @otherbox
People of Craft
People of Craft is a growing showcase of creatives of colour and their craft. From photographers and writers to illustrators and designers, their directory houses an enormous list of talented creatives.
Website: peopleofcraft.com
Instagram: @peopleofcraftsmanship
The Pitch Fanzine
The Pitch Fanzine is a movement and media brand, in the U.K. advertising creative industry. The inclusive platform challenges the lack of diversity in the advertising industry, while also showcasing creative talent in Pitch magazine.
Website: thepitchfanzine.com
Instagram: @thepitchfanzine_
POCC
Born out of shared frustration toward non-inclusive creative spaces and problematic misrepresentation across the media, POCC is an creative network which aims to accelerate equality and equity for culturally and ethnically diverse people in the creative industries and beyond.
Website: wearepocc.com
Instagram: @wearepocc
Social Fixt
Social Fixt is working towards narrowing the employment gap for Black and Brown talent in the creative industry. The goal of the initiative is to ensure that people from the BAME community are made aware of entry-level job roles that exist in the creative industries.
Website: socialfixt.org
Instagram: @socialfixt
Talk 2 Dan
Talk 2 Dan helps young people overcome the barriers faced when entering the creative industries. Their aim is to bridge the gap between employers and young people.
Website: talk2dan.co.uk
Instagram: @talk_2_dan
Women of Colour Unite
Women of Color Unite is a social action organisation focusing on fair access, fair treatment and fair pay for women of colour in all aspects of the entertainment and media industries.
Website: wocunite.org
Instagram: @wocuniteorg
Yellowzine
Yellowzine is a print and online platform that centralises the artwork of ethnic minority creatives. They push forward a contemporary, progressive art movement.
Website: yellowzine.com
Instagram: @yellowzine
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