Interview: Dan Holliday

Interview: Dan Holliday

ROYAL COLLEGE GRADUATE.

What actions do you take to practice anti racism?

Challenging Racism when ever I hear or see it

Where in the creative curriculum have you or would you consider topics surrounding whiteness or constructions of race?

In a multiracial classroom or student group it is a topic that is always prevalent. Lecturers need to have an understanding of that in order to empathize with their cohort.

Have you either experienced or witnessed the effect of micro-aggressions, and how did you manage it?

I was working in a predominantly white office when a colleague used to mimic “ youth speak” which made me feel very uncomfortable as for me it was no better than some sort of 1970’s racist comedian but most of my other colleagues laughed along with him. When I later expressed my opinions to one of these colleagues he excused the behaviour by saying it was not racist behaviour as all the young people spoke like that thus excusing him of his behaviour. It was not what I would expect in an academic environment.

What activities already exist that transcend racial inequality?

I can not think of any activities that transcend racial inequality, even in music and sport which gives the impression of a level playing field. If the society we live in isn’t. it continues to impact those with in these fields.

How does creative expression combat racial inequality?

Some great art comes out of radical action. So if we look at today, some great Art is coming out fighting Trump and Putin’s policies. Their regressive policies in my opinion seem to be the polar opposite of any type of equality movements.

How does your work relate or explore this topic?

If you are not engaged in the here now then there is no point making work. This quote puts it rather well

You can’t help it. An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.

Nina Simone