“Bucking The Trend:the hitherto Uncelebrated Story of Achievement of black British practitioners within London's Visual Arts” aim is too discuss the widely under storied glut of Black British talents heading up some of the capitals most renowned Institution’s. Weather it be Melanie Keen at the Wellcome Collection, Gus Casley-Hayford at The Victoria and Albert Museum East Bank, Aaron Cezar at Delfina Foundation, Eva Langert at Frieze London or Zoe Whitley at The Chisenhale Gallery. These iconoclasts in-spite of the odds in london at least, have risen to the top of their career ladders in a environment where ‘roses growing form concrete’ to quote both Tupac and Lord Serota, are few and fare between. The statistics in London as the UK’s cultural capital are stark. With BME members of the capital accounting for 40% of its population: and 20% of this number being black. With only 16% according to the statistics provided by Tortoise Magazine, in the London art world being BME. In addition overall just only 2% of industry leaders happen to be black.
Their career progressions and stories deserve to be celebrated. For a long time their where only one or ever really two black institutional heads. But over the last year the makeup of the top of Londons cultural fabric has turned a corner in terms of diversity. Where as at the bottom end progression into the creative industries has slowed, what has caused the top end the most visible at that to Buck the trend?
In entering into a conversation with these pioneering protagonist of British visual cultural life. I wish to celebrate their individual achievements in so doing raise awareness of their wins and get the inside track on their progress in their own words.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
We delve into the captivating intersection of art and economics with William Goetzmann, a distinguished professor at Yale University. With a unique background that spans both the arts and financial sectors, Goetzmann offers an insightful perspective on how art functions not just as a cultural artifact, but also as an investment vehicle.
Goetzmann begins by sharing his journey from artist and filmmaker to economics professor, highlighting his passion for understanding the role of art in society. He argues that the aesthetic impulse is deeply embedded in human nature, with evidence of artistic expression dating back hundreds of thousands of years. This long-standing connection between art and human behaviour raises intriguing questions about how we assign value to artistic works.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Dec 2025
Mikie Hall Tate Master Art Handler
In the inaugural episode of Series 2 of the "Bucking the Trend" podcast, the host conducts an interview with Mr Mike Hall, a senior art technician at Tate with 35 years of experience. The podcast seeks to examine diverse career trajectories within the art world, with a particular focus on individuals of colour. Hall, of Jamaican descent, serves as a compelling exemplar of this narrative. He elucidates his role as an art handler, operating discreetly behind the scenes to realise artists’ visions. His work entails the installation of a broad array of pieces, ranging from traditional paintings to multimedia exhibits, such as a shark preserved in a tank. His duties require collaboration with curators and artists, necessitating a careful balance of practicality, budgetary constraints, and safety considerations, whilst adeptly navigating both logistical and creative challenges
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
26 Jul 2022
Gus Casely-Hayford: Director of V&A East
This series of interviews, with the Bipoc directors of London institutions. Regarding their careers. A conversational podcast; bucking the trend aims to mark this extraordinary moment in London's visual art world, where despite the statistics at the bottom and middle of the art world are stark and show a net underrepresentation of Bipoc individuals. There's been a buck in the trend at the top. Which I wish to archive for posterity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
31 May 2022
Ekow Eshun: chair of The Fourth Plinth Project
This series of interviews, with the Bipoc directors of London institutions. Regarding their careers. A conversational podcast; bucking the trend aims to mark this extraordinary moment in London's visual art world, where despite the statistics at the bottom and middle of the art world are stark and show a net underrepresentation of Bipoc individuals. There's been a buck in the trend at the top. Which I wish to archive for posterity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
10 Apr 2022
Melaine Keen: Director of the Wellcome Collection
This series of interviews, with the Bipoc directors of London institutions. Regarding their careers. A conversational podcast; bucking the trend aims to mark this extraordinary moment in London's visual art world, where despite the statistics at the bottom and middle of the art world are stark and show a net underrepresentation of Bipoc individuals. There's been a buck in the trend at the top. Which I wish to archive for posterity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
2 Dec 2021
Aaron Cezar: Director of Delfina Foundation
This series of interviews, with the Bipoc directors of London institutions. Regarding their careers. A conversational podcast; bucking the trend aims to mark this extraordinary moment in London's visual art world, where despite the statistics at the bottom and middle of the art world are stark and show a net underpresenation of Bipoc individuals. There's been a buck in the trend at the top. Which I wish to archive for posterity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
11 Oct 2021
Eva Langret: Director Frieze London.
This in a series of interviews, with the Bipoc directors of London institutions. Regarding their careers. A conversational podcast; bucking the trend aims to mark this extraordinary moment in london's visual art world, where despite the statistics at the bottom and middle of the art world are stark and show a net underpresenation of Bipoc individuals. There's been a buck in the trend at the top. Which I wish to archive for posterity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Sept 2021
Zoe Whitley The director of Chisenhale Gallery
Zoe Whitley The director of Chisenhale Gallery - "master's tools will never dismantle the master's house"
The first episode in a series of interviews, with the Bipoc directors of London institutions. Regarding their careers. A conversational podcast; bucking the trend aims to mark this extraordinary moment in london's visual art world, where despite the statistics at the bottom and middle of the art world are stark and show a net underpresenation of Bipoc individuals. There's been a buck in the trend at the top. Which I wish to archive for posterity.
Whitley and I will be conducting a conversational excavation of her career and life. Enjoy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Aug 2021
An introduction to the seasons themes for Bucking the Trend
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Host of Bucking the Trend: with Eduardo da Costa?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
