Agency celebrates 50 years since report that shook Britain’s arts establishment

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 14, 2026

The 50th anniversary of Naseem Khan’s 1976 report *The Arts Britain Ignores* is being marked by a conference in Leicester that gathers artists, experts, and policymakers to evaluate progress and ongoing challenges in championing ethnic minority contributions to British arts. The event underscores the continued necessity of expanding inclusion within cultural institutions amid persistent issues like funding biases, gentrification, and underrepresentation in dance and theatre.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Naseem Khan’s influential 1976 report, *The Arts Britain Ignores*, which challenged the British arts establishment to recognise and support the creative contributions of ethnic minority communities. Commissioned by groups including the then Arts Council of Great Britain, the report advocated for a pluralistic national culture that embraced diverse artistic expressions ranging from bhangra music to Black art and Ukrainian dance.

Half a century later, debates about British identity continue to resonate amid changing cultural and political landscapes, with issues such as the diversity of the England football team and public figures’ self-identification fueling ongoing discussions. Khan’s work remains relevant today as calls grow for increased inclusion within Britain’s cultural institutions.

A conference titled *The Arts Britain Ignores: 50 Years On* is being held at the Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage in Leicester to commemorate Khan’s legacy. The event brings together artists, cultural organisations, experts, and policymakers to reflect on progress since the report’s publication and to examine current challenges. These include financial pressures, redevelopment, and gentrification affecting community and independent cultural spaces.

Among those contributing to the conference are Amelia Torode, Khan’s daughter; theatre director Jatinder Verma; broadcaster Brenda Emmanus; and crossbench peer and University of Nottingham chancellor Lola Young. The occasion also coincides with the launch of a new book by the Serendipity Institute, *The Arts Britain Ignores at 50*, featuring essays and research that trace developments over the past five decades.

Pawlet Brookes, CEO and artistic director of Serendipity, described Khan’s report as “seminal” and emphasised the continuing need to address the sustainability and growth of culturally diverse organisations. While achievements in visual arts have been acknowledged, Brookes highlighted that recognition in areas such as dance and theatre requires further attention. She noted that despite previous initiatives aimed at cultural diversity, lasting support and expansion remain elusive.

Dawn Airey, chair of Arts Council England, is set to deliver the keynote speech, reaffirming the significance of Khan’s challenge to the sector. Airey is expected to acknowledge the entrenched biases within funding structures, institutions, and critical canons that have historically excluded large segments of British cultural production. She intends to underline the ongoing presence of racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism within the arts, both overt and covert, and to call on those who do not experience such discrimination to actively support and advocate for marginalized artists.

The conference and associated activities highlight the continued evolution of British cultural identity and the enduring relevance of efforts to broaden the scope of what is recognised as integral to the nation’s artistic life. As the sector reflects on the past 50 years, there remains a clear impetus to build on Khan’s vision and address the challenges that persist into the future.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.