A new research report entitled AMPLIFY: A Call for Transformative Action was launched on July 3 by the Irish Theatre Institute (ITI) as part of their Safe to Create programme. The report presents the findings of a comprehensive study examining the lived experiences of disabled, LGBTQ+, and ethnically diverse artists and arts workers in Ireland, including their experiences of workplace discrimination. The launch event featured presentations of the research findings and recommendations, as well as an in-conversation with Irish-Nigerian academic, author, and broadcaster Emma Dabiri and theatre director Oonagh Murphy.
A panel discussion moderated by curator and writer Iarlaith Ní Fheorais highlighted the work of artists leading the way in tackling barriers in the arts sector, including Alan James Burns, Shane Michael Byrne, Amahra Spence, Lianne Quigley, and Oein DeBhairduin. Over 500 people across various disciplines, including visual arts, theatre, film, music, and literature, participated in the study, which featured online surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The research was developed in close consultation with individuals and organisations from the focus communities to capture both quantitative and qualitative data on all workplace experiences.
The findings show that disabled, LGBTQ+ and ethnically diverse artists and arts workers are experiencing discrimination, exclusion, and other harmful behaviours in Ireland’s arts and creative sector. Specifically, the report fo.
