We want arts and heritage organisations to put their audiences at the heart of what they do. For us this means making sure we put our members at the heart of everything we do.
One way we’re doing this is by launching Affinity Groups to provide safe spaces to activate and raise the voices of members who have not been ‘seen’ within our membership. We will collaborate with members in these groups, bringing them into the conversation, and elevating their voices to a strategic level within the AMA.
We define Affinity Groups* as a formal group that connects members. They are a group of people linked by a common purpose or interest. Our focus will be on exploring Affinity Groups that align with the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.
Our first Affinity Group will be for AMA members who self-identify as Melanated Global Majority**. We’re launching with this group as:
1) We’ve had interest from a number of members in the creation of a group.
2) It’s important to us to raise up and platform the voices of Melanated Global Majority members within our community.
3) We have not heard enough from these voices, and we want this to change.
Upcoming Events
Register your interest in the Affinity Groups
Unable to make any of the dates for the Affinity Group Salons, or the Melanated Global Majority Affinity Group isn’t applicable to you?
You can register your interest in future groups and share which groups you’d like us to launch by clicking the button below.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Affinity Groups, please email our Head of Diversity, Bea: bea@a-m-a.co.uk
Definitions
*An Affinity Group is a group of people linked by a common purpose, ideology, or interest. Affinity groups play a vital role in ensuring an inclusive environment where all are valued, included, and empowered to succeed. (Source: University of Pittsburgh)
**Global Majority is a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or have been racialized as ‘ethnic minorities’. Globally, these groups currently represent approximately 80% of the world’s population.
(Source: Rosemary Campbell-Stephens MBE, Leeds Beckett University)
Travel Bursary Application Form for Affinity Group Salons
The deadline to apply for the Travel Bursaries for the Affinity Group Salons has now passed.
Our bursary panel are now making decisions, and will be in touch with applicants with the outcome by the week commencing 25 September 2023.
AMA is providing bursaries that contribute up to £50 towards travel for the Global Majority Affinity Group Salon events held in Bristol and Leeds.
To apply you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be an AMA member who has a valid membership.
- You must be an AMA member who self-identifies as Melanated Global Majority.
- You must be based in any of the four nations of the UK.
How to apply:
Complete the online application form by 5pm on Wednesday 20 September 2023.
If you have any queries about these bursaries, please email Bea Udeh, the AMA’s Head of Diversity: bea@a-m-a.co.uk
Next steps:
The AMA will assess each application and will email all applicants with a final decision by the week commencing 25 September 2023.
Please note:
— Proof of purchase of your travel tickets will be needed to be shared with the AMA to receive transfer of funds up to a maximum of £50.
— We will only award one bursary per organisation or freelance business.
— The bursary covers a contribution of up to a maximum of £50 for your travel only.
— As part of our commitment to sustainability, we ask where possible for you to consider sustainable modes of travel.
— The AMA may request successful applicants to provide feedback, that may be used for marketing purposes, on their experience of the Affinity Group Salon event.