The concept of class in the UK is a complex and difficult thing to define. Join us for this session as we explore the elements that make up class identity in today’s society, what this means for the communities we serve, for those pursuing a career in the arts, and the impact it has on the art we consume. We’ll then consider how we can drive positive change when it comes to class inequalities, prejudice and barriers to participation in the arts.
Why train with Tonic? We are a leading EDI training provider, offering courses designed specifically for the arts and creative environments. But crucially, each time you book a course with Tonic you also help support our work driving change across the industry. Win, win.
“I found the trainer very engaging and it was great to have a course led by someone who understands our industry.”
This session is for arts organisations that are keen to expand their thinking, consciousness and activity in relation to class. We know that socioeconomics play a significant role in determining access to and engagement with the arts and yet, the ubiquity of class within the UK and the impact that a person’s class has on their life chances can feel overwhelming for organisations to unpick or address. In the session we’ll be breaking this complex and hard-to-define subject down into manageable chunks. We’ll demystify key principles that underpin how we view and articulate class and its role in UK society. We’ll then provide participants with a structured space in which to consider tangible steps their organisation can take in order to reduce the impact of class inequalities in their work.
Participants will be encouraged to reflect on the fact that other people’s experiences may vary from their own. Also that our ever-shifting societal context creates new areas of challenge and opportunity connected to class barriers, inequality and prejudice which arts organisations should remain alert and responsive to.
Tonic Advance Network workshop led by Lucy Kerbel and Vicky Long at the Umbrella Rooms, London. Photo by Stephen Wright.
What we’ll cover
Class terminology and definitions of class identity
Class and the arts
Prejudice and barriers to participation in the arts
Ideas and exploration of what we can each do within our organisations to drive change
Space to consider how to take areas of this learning away and action it
You’ll come away with
A basic understanding of what class is and how class inequalities exacerbate and underpin most other inequalities
A greater understanding of the ways in which class can impact the way we interact with the arts, and the ways we think about ourselves in relation to it
Confidence that there is room for everyone in the arts. Nobody should feel the need to change who they are or hide where they are from.
The ability to demonstrate why class awareness is vital to healthy and successful arts organisations and the wider arts ecology
Course details
Available both online OR in-person
Delivered as 2 x 90-minute sessions online, OR 1 x 3.5 hour session in-person
Yes, please email info@tonictheatre.co.uk to arrange a time to discuss your needs with a member of the team.
Yes, we would be happy to discuss bundling this course with others that we offer. We can also create bespoke sessions just for you. Find out more on our bespoke training page or email info@tonictheatre.co.uk to discuss what we can do for you.
We deliver our online training through live Zoom sessions. We provide links and look after all the technical set-up. You and your colleagues simply need to log on. If you have any access queries in relation to our online training, please contact info@tonictheatre.co.uk
Make an enquiry
All enquiries welcome! If you are interested in booking this course, or just need some more information, please complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Or email us direct at info@tonictheatre.co.uk.
