Diversity in Children's Literature

There is recent, reliable evidence to suggest that people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds are poorly represented in the workforce and leadership within the UK publishing and subsidised literature sectors. In particular, BME authors and illustrators are under-represented within children's and young adult (YA) literature, and similarly, the content of children's and YA literature does not adequately reflect the diversity of twenty-first century Britain.

Arts Council England is seeking a supplier, or suppliers, to consolidate recent evidence within this field and conduct further mixed-method research with key stakeholders. The objective of this undertaking is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current position for BME authors and illustrators within the sector and consider practices which could help bring about positive change. Ultimately, the study should highlight any issues and provide clear evidence that Arts Council England can utilise to inform its own actions or help influence the actions of other organisations, bodies or agencies.