RADA appoints Leeds Beckett University as anti-racism consultants

Leeds Beckett University (LBU) is partnering with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to help develop a culture of anti-racism.

The initiative will be led by Professor Vini Lander and colleagues from the Centre for Race, Education and Decoloniality (CRED), part of the Carnegie School of Education at LBU, who will act as specialist consultants.

This is in response to RADA’s recent commitment to structural reform following an action plan drawn up by its student body to combat racism.

The project, scheduled to start this month, will first see a root and branch review of RADA carried out to identify gaps, strengthen weak spots, and develop longer-term strategies.

Key workstreams will then be looked at including whole staff development, curriculum review, staff and student wellbeing, and recruitment and governance.

Professor Damien Page, Dean of the Carnegie School of Education, said:

“We are delighted to be working with RADA on this vital area of work and I’m sure that the outcomes will provide a blueprint for other organisations who are committed to anti-racism”.

RADA has outlined a commitment to working with students, staff, graduates and the industry to create an anti-racist culture and institution.

As part of the progress towards radical and fundamental change, RADA invited specialists to tender to support RADA with this work, and selected LBU.

Edward Kemp, Director of RADA, said:

“As we begin this phase of RADA’s journey, we’re delighted to be working with Professor Lander and her colleagues at LBU. This ongoing work is fundamental to how we work as an Academy; there is a great deal of work to do, and we will approach it with both rigour and care in collaboration with LBU and everyone in our community”.