As a leading migrant-focused arts organisation, Centrala was honoured to contribute to the launch of the extended report In Between Spaces: Inclusion and Representation of Central and Eastern European (CEE) Artists in the UK Creative Economy. The event took place at the 12 Star Gallery, Europe House, and was organised in collaboration with EPIN UK, with funding support from the College of Arts and Law at the University of Birmingham.
Building on the original findings of its 2021 predecessor, this comprehensive report delves deeper into the evolving dynamics of the UK’s creative economy. It sheds light on persistent challenges around inclusivity—or the lack thereof—for artists from Central and Eastern Europe, sparking vital conversations on representation and equity within the sector.
Spotlighting Marginalisation and Underrepresentation
A key component of the event was a panel discussion exploring themes of marginalisation, harmful stereotypes, and the lived realities of CEE artists navigating the UK’s art world. The discussion unveiled the stories of overqualified workers relegated to undervalued positions and the discriminatory structures that leave many CEE creatives existing in metaphorical “in-between spaces.”
The conversation emphasised the urgent need for structural change in the creative economy, particularly in addressing the underrepresentation of CEE artists and their cultural contributions.
A Call for Inclusive Change
Centrala’s director, Alicja Kaczmarek, underscored the importance of building more spaces like Centrala across the UK: “By creating dedicated spaces, we can amplify the voices of Central and Eastern European artists, ensuring they gain the recognition they deserve. Only then can we foster a truly inclusive and diverse UK creative economy.”
The project is part of a collaborative effort with Prof. Sara Jones and her academic team at the University of Birmingham, including researchers Tania Constantin and Elizabeth Lamle. Their work stems from an AHRC M4C Creative Economies Engagement Fellowship, reflecting the intersection of academic research and cultural practice in driving impactful change.
Gratitude and Collaboration
Centrala extends heartfelt thanks to the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK, particularly Ms Susanne Oberhauser, for hosting this significant event. The ongoing partnership with EPIN UK and the University of Birmingham demonstrates the collective commitment to addressing systemic inequalities and championing CEE artists’ visibility and inclusion within the UK’s art scene.
As we continue to foster dialogue and drive forward initiatives, Centrala remains dedicated to creating a fairer and more representative creative economy for all