Lack of arts schemes for working class 'will make theatre whiter and posher'

The lack of investment in arts schemes aimed at working-class children will create a cultural landscape that is whiter and posher, according to one of Britain's leading black British theatre directors.

- Lanre Bakare

Tinuke Craig, who has worked on productions including the Donmar Warehouse's Trouble in Butetown, said the current crop of black British talent was developed in the 1990s when free schemes aimed at improving access to the arts for working-class communities were common.

Craig, who was brought up in Brixton, refers to the 90s as the "peak scheme era". Since then, Arts Council England funding has been cut by more than 30% and several academic studies have shown that the arts are becoming the preserve of the wealthy - and Craig fears productions are producing a narrower worldview.

"It won't be immediately noticeable, but it suddenly will be 15 years down the line and we'll go: 'Oh, all the directors coming out of drama schools this year are from this very, very specific demographic, in terms of money, class and race.""