Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Would you like to improve how we collectively embed equality, diversity and inclusion into our professional practices? Read on to learn how in this Q&A style blog with Dr Karen Patel.
Tell us about yourself
I am Dr Karen Patel, I am a research fellow in the College of English and Media at Birmingham City University (BCU). I am also Director of CEDIA (Centre for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts) at BCU, and I am a member of the advisory committee for the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust’s Ethical Making Programme.
For the past five years I have been working on funded projects with the Crafts Council looking at inequalities and diversity in craft, the work was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. My research revealed the lived experience of racism and microaggressions in the UK professional craft sector, and these findings are published in the Making Changes in Craft report. The funded projects have ended but my research interest in this area remains.
What is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)? Why is EDI Important?
For this I will borrow from my University’s EDI strategy, because I think that has a simple explanation of the three terms.
Equality is about advancing equality of outcome and eliminating discriminatory practices, allowing everyone to achieve their full potential. Equality is not about treating everyone the same; we need to recognise that at times people’s needs are met in different ways.
Diversity is about recognising and valuing difference in its broadest sense. When we respect, value and embrace difference it benefits us all.
Inclusion relates to our individual experiences and the extent to which we are included in different groups and structures.
All three of these terms have been contested, and I also think we need to be careful with using EDI as a ‘catch all’ term. I feel acronyms such as this can sometimes let organisations off the hook – having an EDI department, or a strategy, or group, can be important to get things started but the principles behind EDI should really be at the heart of everything organisations do. Only then can we move towards addressing inequality and creating a fairer society.
Dr Karen Patel and other participants at the We Gather exhibition
Could you outline the key issues associated with EDI in the UK jewellery industry?
I think the issues faced are broadly similar across the craft industry. The key issues I have found in my research relate to the lack of diversity in studios, at craft fairs, in leadership positions at craft organisations, and the attitudes of people who buy from makers. One jeweller told me how she has experienced microaggressions from a supplier, she felt she was spoken to in a particularly disrespectful manner, and she felt this was because she was a British South Asian woman. Another jeweller told me how, at open studios, she has had customers question the quality of her work, or ask if it is made abroad. She felt that if she were a white maker, she wouldn’t be asked those questions. In my research I found many examples of microaggressions – people making judgements, making comments, or not being kind or respectful, particularly to women from ethnically diverse backgrounds, or from working class backgrounds, in craft. The microaggressions can be subtle, and can’t be reported as outright racism, but they wear people down and make them feel like they don’t belong.
In your opinion, what research has been important in raising awareness and/or addressing EDI issues in the UK jewellery industry?
It is important to highlight the work of Kassandra Lauren Gordon, who wrote an open letter to the jewellery industry regarding racism in 2020. She then carried out a survey of Black jewellers in the UK which highlights that over half of survey respondents had experienced racism in the jewellery industry at some point during their career. Kassandra’s report includes a series of practical recommendations that the industry can make to support Black jewellers, and I encourage everyone in the jewellery industry to read the report and work towards implementing the recommendations.
Please share some of your research in this area with us
The Making Changes in Craft Report outlines key findings of the lived experience of racism and microaggressions in craft
There are lots of resources on the Craft Expertise website, which is my project website. Including the two podcast series I have produced – Maker Stories, and Craft Expertise: The view from Australia.
A special issue in the European Journal of Cultural Studies called Craft Economies and Inequalities.
I also have a forthcoming book with Routledge, Craft as a Creative Industry which will be published in 2024
Dr Karen Patel with Crafts Council staff at a 2023 event
What can we start doing now to better support EDI in our networks, that will benefit the UK jewellery industry?
The Crafts Council toolkit for change has brought together a lot of research and resources to help craft organisations become more inclusive. You can find out more and sign up HERE.
What are your aspirations for EDI in the future?
The three key things for me are:
Makers from minoritised groups feel safer in mainstream/commercial craft spaces
Decision making panels for awards, prizes etc are more diverse
There are more culturally diverse makers in leadership positions and decision making positions in the sector