Colourbrave

The context of this work is the world of organisations and exploring the mindset required to have difficult conversations on the topic of race. It can be argued there is a hierarchy of bias when it comes to diversity; Some excluded groups have narrated their story of exclusion and found ways to have constructive conversations enabling them to get on to the agenda and acquire a credible voice at the table. Gender pay gap reporting legislation has been passed in the UK and all companies with over 249 employees are required to publish gender pay gap figures by March 2018. However, PwC UK, became the first large enterprise, (UK), to publish its BAME pay gap figures in September 2017. This body work explores the experiences of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic, (BAME), professionals who have, and are, navigating their way through the corporate world. It elicits insightful gems of wisdom and insight, inspiring others to walk on the shoulders of giants and contribute to the collective consciousness of positive thought that will constructively challenge the status quo and help to direct the pendulum of power, to swing in diverse directions. Each contributor was firstly interviewed, then asked to reflect on a difficult conversation they had had, on the topic of race, What happened? what was said? what wasn’t said? what did they think? and how did that situation make them feel? If the situation presented itself again tomorrow, what would they do differently? This technique of slowing down the subject down and facilitating deep self-reflection was used to create the mood depicted in each photograph. The intention behind the style of photography was to depict the idea of being Colourbrave, using high intensity gels to create vivid, bold colours using the Nikon creative speedlight system. - The semi structured interviews focused on questions such as: - What does it mean to you, to be Colourbrave? - What does it mean to you, to be Colourblind? - Why is this conversation difficult and What can we do to make it easier? - Have you felt obligated to assimilate, (lessen your cultural distinctiveness) in the workplace, in order to advance? - What would you say to senior management teams who want to have the conversation but might be apprehensive? - What would you say to young BAME professional aspiring to climb the corporate ladder? The full interviews are being transcribed and key statements have been extracted and placed alongside the contributors’ image. There are over 30 contributors to date and the study continues.