Ep. 19: The Class Ceiling in the Arts w/ Dr Orian Brook, Sociologist Dr Lisa McKenzie, Artist Joy Miessi, The White Pube, Author Lynsey Hanley; Singer Jessie Ware; Choreographer Hofesh Shechter
Joy Miessi - Photography by Ellius Grace
Stance has produced an in-depth report exploring the class ceiling in the arts. Recent report, ‘Panic! It’s An Arts Emergency’, unearthed alarming statistics about the number of working class people in the arts in Britain. Stance debates this subject with voices including the co-author of the report, Dr Orian Brook, academic and sociologist Dr Lisa McKenzie, and visual artist Joy Miessi.
The White Pube
The report also celebrates the exploding creativity within the working class, hearing from Gabrielle De La Puente from art critic duo The White Pube, theatre director and Senior Arts Officer for Arts Council England, Hassan Mahamdallie, and David Mumeni from Open Door.
Lynsey Hanley Photography by Suki Dhanda
Stance also speaks to Lynsey Hanley, one of the leading voices in Britain contributing to the discussions around class and equality. Lynsey is a journalist and author of Estates: An Intimate History - looking at the history of social housing in the UK, and recent bestseller ‘Respectable: The Experience of Class.’
Jessie Ware
Stance profiles Mercury-nominated and internationally acclaimed British singer Jessie Ware. Jessie burst onto the underground scene with collaborations with the likes of SBTRKT and Sampha. A decade later, she has had her first baby, is onto her third album, Glasshouse and is halfway through her worldwide tour. Stance speaks to Jessie at her London home.
East Wall
Stance has a sneak preview of East Wall, taking place at Tower of London this month. The extraordinary outdoor performance will see over 150 dancers and musicians fill the moat of the tower, inspired by the stories of the communities that have grown up around this iconic London landmark in East London.
Hofesh Shechter
Lastly, we speak to Hofesh Shechter, the creative mastermind behind East Wall. The award-winning Israeli choreographer, dancer and composer has been hailed by the NY times “as one of the most inventive new choreographic voices”.
Hofesh Shechter Company