We review the demographic make-up of the community once a year, through a Balance and Belonging Survey which we ask all Residents to complete. Today we are sharing the 2023/24 data. The report outlines what we found out — with some context about the questions we ask and what we share with who.  

Our aim with this report is to continue:

  • To share the inclusion survey data in a clear and transparent way
  • To invite the studio community to continue to feedback on how they are experiencing the Studio. Details of how you can get in touch are listed at the end of this report.

About this year's numbers

When we published last year's report we reflected on the response rate and what it might tell us about our surveying approach. We made some changes to the questions (and how we asked them) this year and were delighted that the numbers of residents completing the survey increased significantly.  

You will also see that we are now reporting numbers as a percentage of those who completed the survey rather than as a percentage of the whole resident community. We've made this decision because our total number of residents and the response rate to the survey are quite variable. Including all the "not known" data makes the numbers quite confusing to talk about publicly and makes it very difficult to judge trends over time. We will continue to report our response rates, meaning that those who prefer the previous way of reporting numbers can still work them out that way if they wish. 

As we looked through all of the data and read all of the individual comments we were struck by a few key things in particular:

  • The percentages of under-represented identities rose in almost all areas that we collect data on. Almost half of the residents who completed the survey identified as neurodivergent.
  • The notable exception to this is the number of residents from working class backgrounds which remained the same, and is significantly below the number of working class people in the wider population.
  • The team and resident relationship seems to be in a good place, with a high degree of trust.
  • Barriers to a feeling of belonging exist around the language in the Studio tending towards the academic and a sense that 'cliques' of people exist which makes it hard for some people to find their place.

What does this mean in terms of action?

Responding to the data from last year we began an exploration into how residents can be more involved in Studio decision making. We worked alongside Lucy Turner and Imwen Eke to explore how this could change. We also ran and reflected on a number of programmes designed to bring together different forms of knowledge and experience and evolved our producing methods in response. We will be continuing this work in the year ahead and introducing some new things. 

  • As part of our ongoing work to involve residents more in the Studio's governance, we will invite 6 randomly selected residents to become Resident Advisors every 6 months. They will be involved with the running of the Studio on both the strategic and practical levels.
  • We will work with Gill Wildman to create some signage that helps people to navigate the physical space of the Studio and its structures more easily. We will also do a reshuffle to break up some of the fixed desk groupings and introduce a desk that is bookable in advance.
  • Our micro-residencies focus on supporting artists who are underrepresented in our community. This year we will support a number through our 6G collaboration with University of Bristol.
  • We will implement a new set of programme guidelines for the team which aim to ensure that new themes in the Studio reflect a wide range of knowledge, practice and lived experience.
  • We will review tone of voice across our communications channels to ensure that our writing is accessible to a wide range of people — particularly considering class and educational background.
  • We will develop our producing methods alongside those with expertise in trauma-informed practice asking: how do we responsibly welcome lived experience, recognise intersectionality and make things together while maintaining safe boundaries for all involved?

You can read more about the survey results and our plans here:

Studio Resident Community Inclusion Survey Data 2024_SUMMARY VERSION

Or in even more detail here:

Studio Resident Community Inclusion Survey Data 2024_FULL VERSION.pdf