The South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts

Equality and Diversity Statement

The Academy is committed to putting Individuals with different cultures, perspectives and experiences at the heart of its artistic community. We aim to select, develop and retain the most talented artists, regardless of their background *¹ and make best use of their talents. At the Academy we are guided by our values in everything we do, and recognise that being a diverse and inclusive Academy helps us fulfil our objective to advance the education of the public in the fine and applied arts and, in particular, to promote the appreciation and practice of the fine and applied arts.

We seek to develop an Academy ethos and environment where all artists are treated as individuals, fairly and in a consistent way. We work within the spirit and the practice of the Equality Act 2010 by promoting a culture of respect and dignity and actively challenging discrimination, should it ever arise. We aim to demonstrate the principles of diversity and inclusion in all of the Academy’s exhibitions and associated activities.

*¹This refers to the protected characteristics of sex, gender reassignment, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity

Definitions

At the Academy, we consider that equality means breaking down barriers, eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities and access for all groups both in membership, exhibitions, employment, and to goods and services.

We consider diversity to mean celebrating difference and valuing everyone. Each person is an individual with visible and non-visible differences and by respecting this everyone can feel valued for their contributions which is beneficial not only for the individual but for the Academy community as well.

We acknowledge that equality and diversity are not inter-changeable but inter-dependent. There can be no equality of opportunity if difference is not valued and harnessed.