Isle of Man Arts Council - Reasons why we should support Black Artists

Pictured above R-L: Justina Blakeney, Thee Bouffants, Jeannie Phan and Alexandra Bowman

Art can inspire, heal, and unite, and with the protests against police brutality and systematic racism happening [in the wake of BLM], supporting Black artists by following and highlighting them as well as buying their work is a small, tangible way to show your commitment to stand with the community in crisis.
Lauren Harano, for Pop Sugar “30 Talented Black Artists You Should Be Following on Instagram”

Supporting the Black creative community is vital right now and always. In a post-Black Lives Matter world, it is more important to support black artists not simply because there is more coverage in the media or just because it is Black History month but simply to make a real and positive impact on the lives and communities of those who have historically been underrepresented in the arts.

Historically Underrepresented

Diversity and Representation across all fields is important, and especially within the arts. We are missing so many voices, ideas and visions simply due to a lack of accessibility and/or funding for emerging black artists. Diversity in the arts introduces and inspires new ideas into discussions and increases creativity and innovation.

‘I think black artists are producing some of the most exciting, relevant, and socially engaged work at the moment. And there will be new, exciting work that will come.’
Playwright and curator, Michael McMillan. "Black UK artists are creating most ‘exciting’ work, says Michael McMillan" The Guardian

Michael McMillan goes on to say: “The Black Lives Matter movement [has] pushed a lot of black activists and artists to take up space in historically white institutions.”

In our most recent episode of Island Artcast (our arts podcast) we spoke to two members of POC IOM, Elsa Wilkes and Haafizah Hoosen. The two speak discuss racism on the Isle of Man and particularly, the importance of accepting, respecting and representing different cultures within the workplace. Elsa and Haafizah talk about their own experiences growing up on the Isle of Man from inherent biases to what the workplace could do to encourage diverse representation.

It is difficult to acknowledge that we all have biases and it’s important for us to think ‘okay no, that’s wrong.’ It’s not your first thought that matters, it’s your second, third and fourth.
Elsa Wilkes, POC IOM. Podcast ep. 13 “Why Diverse Representation Matters”.

Closing the Racial Wealth Gap

The creative industries are notoriously difficult to get into especially for those from underprivileged backgrounds, which historically have included black communities. Black artists face unique challenges in relation to their white counterparts, one of which is lack of access to capital. People of colour have historically been afforded fewer opportunities for economic success, especially in the arts. With this lack of access to resources and grants, countless barriers are in place causing additional stress, lack of clarity and financial worry to those first starting out.

Kipenzi Thomas, recipient of the Norman Sayle Award in 2019

Over the past two years I have been studying Fashion Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan. The costs of studying a courses within the creative industries can be quite financially taxing, especially coming from a low income family. I wouldn't have had the option to study a creative course without the support of the Isle of Man Arts Council. With it, I have been able to create freely without financial worry which has allowed me to reach my full potential on the course as well as being able to have a team to talk about my ongoing progress within the course.
Kipenzi Thomas, recipient of the Isle of Man Arts Council's Norman Sayle Award in 2019

When considering how many businesses fail within the first 18months, those coming from a low income background face an even tougher time to get through this period, and especially if they are a person of colour.

Black-owned businesses are more likely to struggle than those with white owners for a plethora of reasons. One of the biggest stumbling blocks is a lack of access to financial support with Black-owned businesses four times less likely to receive bank loans, overdrafts and credit cards to get themselves off the ground. This means that many businesses are almost destined to fail before they’ve started.
Stylist "Black Pound Day: what is it and Black-owned businesses to support"

Consumer Power: Shopping Mindfully

“Actions speak louder than words.” is a phrase we all know, but by wholeheartedly living by these standards, we can use our power as consumers to affect positive change in the world.

Actions, not empty words, are what counts when it comes to anti-racism.” Reference - Stylist: “How we can be better allies in the fight against racism
Stylist "How we can all be better allies in the fight against racism"

Black Pound Day: is a day which is about discovering, celebrating and asking people to put their money behind black-owned businesses.

It can be easy to forget that as consumers we hold power in where and how we spend our money... By shopping more mindfully we can make a tangible difference to the lives of small business owners and, more than that, use this action to become an anti-racism ally.
"Black Pound Day: What Is It and Black Owned Businesses to Support.”

We have so much power to create positive change with our wallets. By choosing to support Black Artists, you not only create an impact on that particular individual but entire communities. Supporting Black businesses shouldn’t be a trend for Black History Month either, it should be a lifestyle when considering our consumer habits.

Empower Local Communities

The power of community has paved the way for many business owners. By choosing to buy from Black businesses, you are helping to boost pride, unity and self-determination within these communities. Supporting black artists creates jobs and opportunities for black communities.

How we can all be better allies in the fight against racism:

Educate yourself: Follow social media accounts which cover these topics, read books (reading list below) which illuminate oppression and structures of white supremacy and white privilege.

Talk to people: “We need to talk about racism. We need to teach our children about it. We need to interrupt and shut down racist jokes or commentary. And we need to take a stand against injustice, and intervene in situations where racism is being passed on.” - Stylist

Reasons why we should support Black Artists

Historically Underrepresented

Closing the Racial Wealth Gap

Consumer Power: Shopping Mindfully

Empower Local Communities

How we can all be better allies in the fight against racism:

Further Reading, Resources and References

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