- BAFTA announces progress in commitment to reach membership targets by 2025
- First global membership survey results announced
- BAFTA continues to actively address areas of under-representation following 2020 Review
London, 25 June 2021: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today reveals the results of its global 2020-2021 membership survey and the progress it has made on addressing areas of under-representation in the last year.
The survey is the first of its kind to gather data from BAFTA’s entire global membership and was a requirement for all voting members for the first time this year.
The key findings are as follows: 37.4% of current members are women, 12.2% are from minority ethnic groups, 5.3% have a disability, 9.7% are LGBTQI+.1
The aim of the membership survey was for BAFTA to identify and address areas of current under-representation and ensure a more diverse, inclusive and representative organisation.
In response to this and as part of the ongoing BAFTA Review, the arts charity has made a commitment to inviting 1,000 new members from under-represented groups over the next two years and has already achieved 1/3 of this target. In the last year, 635 industry professionals have joined BAFTA as new members. Of those 635 new members, 53.3% are women, 33.1% are from minority ethnic backgrounds, 7.5% have a disability and 13.6% are LGBTQI+.
Following the results of the survey, BAFTA has committed to reaching its membership targets to address areas of under-representation by 2025. These targets, as announced as part of the Review in 2020, are as follows: 50-50 gender balance, 20% from minority ethnic groups, 12% disabled and 10% LGBTQI+. These targets were set in line with UK broadcasters, industry organisations and bodies and based on proportionality of the UK working age population with the aim of a more representative and inclusive membership that better reflects society.
Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “BAFTA has set membership targets to reflect our vision for a more inclusive organisation and industry. While there is more work to be done, the demographic of our latest intake of members demonstrates that we are making progress to ensure our membership is more representative of society, and confirms our commitment to address areas of under-representation within our membership.”
BAFTA welcomes applications from individuals working in film, games and television throughout the year and is proactively encouraging those from minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities and those based outside of London to apply. Applicants do not need to be proposed or seconded to apply.
Full eligibility criteria for BAFTA membership can be found at www.bafta.org/about/membership.
BAFTA is continuing to explore a range of measures to make membership more affordable and accessible and we encourage prospective members to talk to us about the different options available.
Notes to editors
1Figs as of February 2021
Full details of the BAFTA Review can we found here.
About BAFTA
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a world-leading independent arts charity that brings the very best work in film, games and television to public attention and supports the growth of creative talent in the UK and internationally. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of learning events and initiatives – which includes workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures and mentoring schemes in the UK, USA and Asia – BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration. For advice and inspiration from the best creative minds in working in film, games and television, visit www.bafta.org/guru. For more, visit www.bafta.org.
