Progressing equity, diversity and inclusion in outdoor arts is a core value and objective of Without Walls.

We believe that meaningful change requires structural action, not just good intentions — and that our role as a national commissioning network means we have both the responsibility and the reach to help shift what the outdoor arts sector looks like.

We Our current EDI Action Plan sets out our commitments across governance, programme, workforce and communications. It is guided by the principle that engagement with artists and professionals from marginalised communities must enable them not only to access opportunities, but to develop confidence, knowledge, skills, networks and influence that have long-term impact, on their own terms. Our commitments include:

Equalities and Anti-Racism

Without Walls abides by the Equality Act 2010 and is committed to ensuring our activities, governance and management practices do not discriminate against any individual. We recognise that systemic biases exist that hinder Global Majority artists and professionals from progressing to their full potential. We are committed to taking action to change behaviours, processes and policies that advantage one person over another on the basis of race or identity, and to sharing what we learn with our partners across the sector.

Access and Inclusion

Without Walls is committed to inclusive working, ensuring there is representation and development for artists who identify as D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent and learning disabled, and providing accessible experiences for audiences at the outdoor arts festivals we work with. We know that representation is not enough on its own: our goal is for the outdoor arts sector to genuinely reflect the communities our festivals serve.

Dignity At Work 

Without Walls is committed to creating an environment where staff, partners and artists are treated with dignity and respect, and where bullying and harassment in any form is not tolerated. This commitment extends to everyone we work with across our network.

A Learning Culture

We recognise there is much still to do. We will not always get everything right. A commitment to proactive learning and continuous improvement is at the heart of our approach — and we will adapt our strategy, update our language and embed what works as we go.

How We Delivery This

Our EDI work is delivered across the organisation and embedded in our programmes. Key structures include:

Our Diversity and Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) is an advisory body with direct influence on leadership and Board decision-making. It is composed of practitioners and professionals with lived experience of marginalisation in outdoor arts, and meets three times a year.

Our Development Producers –  one with a Global Majority focus and one with a Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent focus – provide direct support to artists from underrepresented communities across our commissioning and development programmes.

Our Discover and Associates programmes are structured pathways for artists and cultural professionals from underrepresented communities, designed to build skills, confidence and sector influence over the long term.

Our Framework for Wellbeing and Safety in Public Space sets out shared commitments across the Without Walls network for the care and safety of artists, audiences and workers in outdoor contexts, and should be read alongside this page.