[dropcap style=”font-size:100px;color:#992211;”]T[/dropcap]his episode was supposed to cover strengthening our selves and our communities, post-lockdown. As I began editing it, the world was shocked by the murder of George Floyd.
In the past few weeks we have all been reminded how easy it is to be unaware of others in our own society who are in peril or facing discrimination. It’s clear that we need to make an active effort to eradicate systemic racism.
The interview takes place over Zoom in my art studio, with entrepreneur Susan J Mumford. Although not originally recorded as a solution to eliminating inequalities, her words of advice on creating strong community groups, personally and professionally, can help us be mindful in how we rebuild society post-pandemic, with anti-racism as an intrinsic part of a new future.
I have learned so much from the minority communities I have worked with over the years, and from my own experience as a non-white woman. Yet, I still feel I need to re-programme my mind — to become anti-racist, instead of simply against racism.
Many of you, too, are thinking about how to broaden your own cultural circles, businesses are rethinking their structures and re-examining their processes, and societies are trying to root out systemic inequalities. In this meaningful and much needed journey, I hope this video will help.
Susan J Mumford is a serial entrepreneur in the art market and a mentor to creative businesses. She founded the Association of Women Art Dealers in 2009 and the Be Smart About Art network in 2012. She’s an entrepreneur who has created ventures and communities dating back to her childhood days, with a passion for fairness.
Image: © Nicola Anthony, date stamp drawing, 2006
Nicola Anthony is a British artist known for her public art around the world. Her text sculptures are made of metal, words, memories and narratives. She has worked internationally with NGOs, art institutions, public spaces and cultural research bodies to create art which tells the stories that are often left unspoken.
