At Grand Union, we are working to educate ourselves and think considerately and compassionately how we can effectively use our privilege and agency to help change our sector and wider society.
We currently have an all-white staff team and board and know that this is not good enough. We are developing our recruitment processes to address this.
To redistribute resources immediately we have donated to the Black Land and Spatial Justice Fund organised by Amahra Spence, an artist who has been working hard for years here in Birmingham. We will continue to donate and redistribute where we can, not just now but also into the future.
We are updating our Equality, Diversity & Inclusivity Policy and Action Plan which will be published on our website in the next few weeks. This will include measurable targets against which we can be held accountable by our Board, our funders and you. Our aim is to ensure our organisation better reflects the city in which we work.
We will share the resources we have found helpful to educate ourselves below and social media and will elevate good work in the Midlands, the rest of the UK and globally.
We are open to dialogue, feedback and criticism – please contact our Director Cheryl Jones at cheryl@grand-union.org.uk
We stand in solidarity with you. We commit to actively challenge racism, to listen, to learn and to do much better.
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS:
There are organisations based in our city who we recommend you might follow or consider donating to.
This statement is from Elizabeth Lawal, a West Midlands-based producer, theatre-maker and cultural researcher on the board of Culture Central. We continue to learn so much from the young people based in our city.
DONATE:
Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
Go Fund Me for the family of Belly Mujinga
UFCC The United Families & Friends Campaign, is a coalition of those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody, supports others in similar situations.
UK Black Lives Matter Fund Support UKBLM’s work with Black communities across the UK. This is an evolving fund to support Black life against institutional racism, and enable radical reimagining/knowledge production from within Black communities.
Black Minds Matter Treating mental health as a priority in the fight for equality and welfare of Black people in the UK.
Black Ticket Project Creating cultural access points for Black young people across England. Invest a regular monthly amount.
UK QTIBIPOC Hardship Fund Short term support for Queer, Trans and Intersex, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (QTIBIPOC) currently living in the UK who are affected by the outbreak and ongoing shutdown caused by Covid-19
Artists Fund Artists All funds raised up until 1 Aug will be redistributed to Black artists in the UK.
SIGN PETITIONS:
EDUCATE YOURSELF:
Resources on Race by Layemi Ikomi
How to support Black Lives in the UK
The Black Feminist Bookshop lockdown resource guide
Anti Racism resources for white people
History, Solidarity & Allyship reading lists from Beatfreeks
Museum Detox: Sustained solidarity with BLM, transforming support into actions