Design Labs
About Design Labs
In 2024, ARC HOUSE secured funding from the Film & TV Charity’s Reel Impact Fund to develop a research and engagement network that directly responds to community needs.
We proposed a series of design labs where ARC HOUSE will gather insights from Black and global majority creatives in the West Midlands, and use this as a mandate to develop a strategic framework and organisational model to drive policy change, challenge funding disparities and influence sector investment.
What is a Design Lab?
A structured, action-driven space that brings together creatives, industry stakeholders and community voices to collaboratively explore challenges and develop practical solutions. Combining research, co-creation and prototyping to address systemic issues in a specific field.
Breaking The Glass Ceiling: Leadership And Progression In The Creative Industries
Completed
Addressing barriers to career progression and leadership for Black creatives.
Focus areas:
Lack of senior leadership roles for Black professionals in Film, TV and the arts.
Gatekeeping and informal hiring practices.
Developing mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership pipelines to break barriers.
Sustaining The Creative Workforce: Wellbeing And Economic Resilience
Wednesday 11th June: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Ensuring sustainable career pathways and addressing precarious work conditions.
Focus areas:
High levels of freelance and insecure work for Black creatives.
The impact of financial instability on creative practice.
Building long-term employment and business models for Black artists and cultural workers.
Funding And Access: Reimagining Investment In Black Creativity
Thursday 3rd July: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Tackling disparities in funding, investment and resource allocation.
Focus areas:
Disproportionate access to public and private arts funding for Black-led projects.
The impact of traditional grant structures and how they exclude Black creatives.
Exploring alternative investment models (community-backed funding, equity-based models).
Visibility And Representation: Transforming Narratives In Media And Culture
Thursday 10th July: 6pm - 8pm
Amplifying authentic Black stories in Film, TV and wider arts.
Focus areas:
Lack of diverse decision-makers in commissioning roles.
Industry hesitance to back narratives that centre Black experiences.
Strengthening Black-led creative production hubs in the West Midlands.
