Arena Theatre celebrates winning diversity award

The University of Wolverhampton's Arena Theatre, is delighted has clinched a Diversity and Inclusion Award as part of the Enjoy Wolverhampton BID Excellence Awards 2023.

The award recognises the theatre’s commitment to promoting equality, embracing diversity, and creating an inclusive culture across its programming, artist development, technical provision, and outreach and community initiatives.

The theatre has long championed an open-door policy for both the audiences and artists it serves, striving to ensure its work is representative of its local community and ensuring all have access to the arts regardless of background.

The Bid Excellence 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Award promotes how businesses embrace and promotes the values of diversity, ensuring all employees and customers feel safe and welcome.

Neil Reading, Artistic Director at the theatre, said: “We are delighted to be recognised for the work we do in partnership with the diverse communities of our vibrant city. The Arena Theatre has always committed itself to serving everyone in our region and our door is always open to new ideas, new creatives and new audiences. The team work tirelessly to ensure that diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do.”

The Arena Theatre was in the category along with Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Wolverhampton LGBT+, New Look, and Saints Training Limited.

The judges said: “The Arena Theatre has embedded Diversity and Inclusion in all aspects of its practice, enhancing cultural and creative opportunities in the city centre. 

“This small team has gone above and beyond the expectations of its Arts Council funded status to establish and maintain a culture that is truly welcoming, ensuring all staff are skilled with the ability to assist and communicate with its many visitors.”

To find out more about the Arena Theatre visit the website. 

ENDS