EDI: Acknowledgement Statements

At the AMA we’ve been diving into a chocolate box of acknowledgements that focus us on the several pillars of EDI as aligned with our values to be always learning, to be inclusive and to be human.

This UK Acknowledgement provides:

• A framework for understanding the historical context of systemic discrimination and marginalisation in the UK
• A commitment to fostering inclusive practices and supporting our members in continuing to embrace diversity
• An explicit recognition of the UK's colonial legacy and its ongoing impacts
• A pledge to move beyond superficial diversity measures and engage in meaningful, transformative change

What is an Acknowledgement Statement?

If we break down the meaning of ‘acknowledgment’ then we are accepting or recognising the existence and truth of something.  Land acknowledgements recognise the importance of the land’s heritage and the indigenous custodianship of the people who lived on the land.  There is a deference when we consider the lineage of indigenous people who have lived on and with that land.

Land Acknowledgment Statements have been traditionally declared by indigenous people as part of their own tribal practices of honouring their land.  Over the past 15 years as EDI, DEI and all the work in between have been given more profile and importance, land acknowledgements have been said at the start of events e.g.  academic events, political gatherings, conferences, etc..  This brings attention to how we, as individuals, can and should embody the energy and/or pride in the land.  This becomes especially important when the people who were custodians have been expelled, harmed or killed in the process of settler colonisation.

Colonial Power Acknowledgement Statements are formal declarations recognising the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism by a nation, acknowledging the injustices and exploitation inflicted upon colonised peoples and territories. It serves to acknowledge the past actions of colonising powers and commit to fostering understanding, reconciliation, and repair. These statements are essential in addressing the legacies of colonialism that persist in contemporary societies and institutions. Its purpose is threefold:

• Historical Recognition: Acknowledge past colonial actions and their lasting effects.
• Educational Value: Inform and educate about colonial histories.
• Commitment to Change: Demonstrate a commitment to addressing the legacies of colonialism and supporting reconciliation efforts.

Examples from other countries

• Canada: Land acknowledgements are common, recognising Indigenous territories at the start of events.
• Australia: Acknowledgement of Country statements are regularly used to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Portugal: Recent discussions about reparations for colonial crimes highlight the importance of national acknowledgment (e.g., Portugal's recent statement).

I'd like to specifically highlight the Dutch Colonial Power Acknowledgement Statement. This is a powerful example of a colonial power acknowledging its historical injustices. This statement serves as a significant step towards addressing historical wrongs and sets a precedent for other colonial powers, including the UK, to follow suit in recognising and apologising for their colonial pasts. It highlights the importance of acknowledging historical truths, fostering understanding, and committing to reparative actions. The statement in full:

“For centuries, the Dutch State and its representatives facilitated, stimulated, preserved and profited from slavery.

For centuries, in the name of the Dutch State, human beings were made into commodities, exploited and abused.

For centuries, under Dutch state authority, human dignity was violated in the most horrific way possible.

And successive Dutch governments after 1863 failed to adequately see and acknowledge that our slavery past continued to have negative effects and still does.

For that I offer the apologies of the Dutch government.

Today I apologise.

Awe mi ta pidi diskulpa.

Tide mi wani taki pardon.

Today, on behalf of the Dutch government, I apologise for the past actions of the Dutch State: to enslaved people in the past, everywhere in the world, who suffered as a consequence of those actions, as well as to their daughters and sons, and to all their descendants, up to the present day.”

Prime Minister Mark Rutte

This statement serves as a significant step towards addressing historical wrongs and sets a precedent for other colonial powers, including the UK, to follow suit in recognising and apologising for their colonial pasts. It highlights the importance of acknowledging historical truths, fostering understanding, and committing to reparative actions.

The first UK Acknowledgment Statement - some context and perspective

A colleague of mine in the U.S.A. was delivering some work as part of one of our AMA training programmes. At the start of each session she shared a Land Acknowledgement Statement. I was intrigued and felt an immediate affinity for the power and impact this had. After all, she was online in America and I was sitting in the UK thinking about the missing link.  Our conversation turned to a deep discussion about historical colonialist practices in the UK and the connection to her statement acknowledging the Ohio land where she works and lives (but using the original indigenous name for the land).

The AMA's UK Acknowledgement flowed from this conversation and brings to our attention the 500 years of placing a value on humans due to colonial practices which continue to exist.  The valuing of some and the devaluing of others is one of the reasons why we have the Equality Act 2010.  We followed this initial spark with a period of research and consultation with cultural leaders, our members and affected communities to ensure accuracy and sensitivity.

The following statement is drawn from that research and wide consultation and as a collaboration between myself for AMA and the strategic visioner Rachel Grossman:

I invite the acknowledgement of the United Kingdom as a colonialist power traveling widely to other regions of the world for the purposes of occupying land, resources, and people to expand the Empire (including the Commonwealth). The colonialist policies of the United Kingdom impact British culture and government to the present.

In the arts, heritage and cultural sector we are working hard to be custodians of best practice and we are people who want to transfer a legacy to our audiences.  These audiences also want to understand our relevance and want to find connections between what we provide them and who we say we are.

The needs and benefits of a UK Acknowledgement Statement

The UK Acknowledgement Statement is a crucial step towards addressing the nation's colonial past and its enduring effects. Unlike countries such as Canada and Australia, the UK has been slower to adopt formal recognition of its historical role in colonialism. This statement serves several important purposes:

1. Historical accountability: It acknowledges the UK's role as a colonial power and the lasting impacts of this history on both domestic and international communities.
2. Education and awareness: The statement provides a starting point for discussions about colonialism, racism, and systemic inequalities in British society.
3. Institutional reflection: It encourages arts and heritage organisations to examine your own practices and collections, many of which may have colonial origins or biases.
4. Inclusive representation: By acknowledging past injustices, the statement sets the stage for more inclusive and diverse representation in the arts and heritage sector.
5. Leadership in social responsibility: The arts and heritage sector, by adopting this statement, can lead the way in promoting social justice and equality in the UK.
6. Building trust: Acknowledging past wrongs can help build trust with communities that have been historically marginalised or excluded from cultural institutions.
7. International alignment: This brings the UK in line with international practices of acknowledging colonial histories, enhancing the country's reputation for addressing historical injustices.

The arts and heritage sector is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative in the UK for several reasons:

• Cultural influence: The sector has significant public reach and can shape societal narratives.
• Historical context: Many of our arts and heritage institutions directly benefit from or house artefacts tied to colonial history.
• Educational role: We're well placed to share our history and help shape change.
• Diversity challenges: All parts of our sector has faced criticism for lack of diversity, making this an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to change.

When and how can I deliver a UK Acknowledgement statement?

Here is some guidance about how they do this in other countries, in particular Australia.

At the AMA, we have delivered this statement in several ways -  before training sessions and at many sponsored workshop/day events.  At our Inclusivity and Audiences Day in 2024 Naomi Jones, Head of Cultural Heritage at the Eryri National Park shared the process they undertook to rename the park from Mount Snowdon and now in 2024 we share the UK Acknowledgement at the AMA Conference.

Where can I find other examples of Acknowledgements?

The most recent is Portugal in April 2024:  https://www.reuters.com/world/portugal-must-pay-costs-slavery-colonial-crimes-president-says-2024-04-24/#:~:text=LISBON%2C%20April%2024%20(Reuters),was%20a%20need%20for%20reparations .

And do check out the other examples above.

Can I share this UK Acknowledgement?

Yes, please share. This statement does not 'belong' to the AMA, nor to me. Don’t forget to cite the authors (Bea Udeh for the Arts Marketing Association and Rachel Grossman). I invite you to work across your teams to collaborate with your organisation to develop your own statement.

I also invite you to comment on how this article lands on your body – how does this make you think and feel after experiencing this.  There are more ways to support your learning and unlearning and embedding into new ways of developing and implementing your strategic and tactical work.

This work intersects the arts, heritage and cultural sector with access to and representation of information, recruitment and collaboration with people and the climate crisis on planet Earth. It sits across all of these things. By embracing this acknowledgement, we take a significant step towards a more equitable and inclusive future in the arts and heritage sector.

Bea Udeh, Head of Diversity, Arts Marketing Association