Entertainment · Books & Arts · 2 hrs ago
Conference marks 50 years since report on overlooked British arts
A Leicester conference marks 50 years since cultural historian Naseem Khan’s report on British arts was first published.
In 1976, Khan argued that Britain’s diverse cultures should be recognised and supported by the arts establishment.
Her report described creative work in ethnic minority communities, including bhangra, black painting and Ukrainian dance, that funders and critics largely overlooked.
Black and Asian visual artists are now critically acclaimed, but organisers say culturally diverse organisations still lack stable support and growth.
The conference will also consider recognition for dance and theatre, where organisers say progress has lagged behind the visual arts.
Artists, experts and policymakers will meet in Leicester on Wednesday to discuss what has changed and what remains to be done.
The event also launches a new book with essays and research on the report’s legacy.
A conference in Leicester marks 50 years since cultural historian Naseem Khan’s report, The Arts Britain Ignores, was published in 1976.
The conference will examine how much progress has been made in recognising and supporting artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
The report argued for a pluralistic British culture and documented arts practices in ethnic minority communities that were largely ignored by funders and critics.
The event also marks the launch of a new book, The Arts Britain Ignores at 50, with essays and new research.
Organisers say culturally diverse organisations have received funding, but sustainability and growth remain challenges.
- Who
- Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is hosting the conference. Artists, organisations, experts and policymakers will take part.
- What
- The conference marks 50 years since Naseem Khan’s report, The Arts Britain Ignores, and will consider progress since its publication.
- When
- Wednesday, according to the article.
- Where
- Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage in Leicester.
- Why
- To celebrate Khan’s legacy and examine how far recognition and support for culturally diverse arts have progressed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Naseem Khan’s report The Arts Britain Ignores was published.
The conference celebrating Khan’s legacy is due to take place in Leicester, alongside the launch of a new book.
- Report
- The Arts Britain Ignores
- Author
- Naseem Khan
- Publication year
- 1976
- Conference venue
- Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, Leicester
- New book
- The Arts Britain Ignores at 50
What people are saying
But the reality is British is diverse – whether that diversity is layered with colour or layered in other ways.
We can go down a negative road, or we can celebrate what we have, which is fantastic, the best in Europe – although we still have some way to go.
We also need recognition for dance and theatre, in the way that progress has been made in the visual arts.
The journey Khan set us on remains one of the most important our sector is undertaking … [it] will sit at the centre of my work.








