It has been very difficult to know how best to respond to the shocking event in America and the inspiring Global reaction that followed. We have been using this time to reflect as we are critically aware that we need to take responsibility for our actions and indeed, any lack of action in the past.

We have embarked in a dialogue with artists and peers across and beyond the arts and cultural sector to understand how we can best contribute to combatting systemic racism. We therefore take this opportunity to state that we support the Black Lives Matter movement and we understand that we should be judged on how we champion change and meet the challenges ahead.