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

A recent report reveals that women in the UK arts sector feel they lack equal opportunities for roles, with many experiencing unconscious bias or sexism. Nearly all (95%) women working in the arts surveyed believe gender inequality persists, while three-quarters (75%) reported facing unconscious bias or sexism, according to a poll of 76 arts professionals. More than two-thirds (69%) felt that age negatively impacted their career success, rising to 100% for those in artistic roles.

The issue appears to be exacerbated by the use of AI in hiring, which can disadvantage women who took career breaks for caregiving or reinforce historical biases. Performers noted the added pressure on women to maintain a youthful appearance compared to their male counterparts in roles. One actor pointed out that younger actresses are often cast opposite older male actors for parts meant to be the same age.

Another reported that roles "drop off at 39," while a female actor lamented there are twice as many roles for male colleagues as for her, with even fewer opportunities for actresses over 50.

There is a persistent focus on terms like "young and emerging" to describe talent, with no celebration of experienced, seasoned talent as seen by one respondent. Writers' schemes tend to favor young individuals, and many emerging artist initiatives target young, graduating artists rather than those at later stages of their careers. The arts marketing sector reportedly believes only young people understand the online world, and writers feel the stories of older women are seldom commissioned.

Maureen Beattie, a theatre and TV actor, stated that age discrimination is a major issue women face in the entertainment industry. She expressed hope for more substantial roles for women, citing the value older women bring to the arts. Dr. Jennifer Tuckett, the chief executive of Women in the Arts, emphasized the urgency to investigate age discrimination and AI's impact on older women in the arts.

The research, conducted as part of a five-year project, calls for more targeted work to address gender discrimination and proposes representation targets, leadership programs, and algorithmic audits to minimize bias.