The Stage (08/27/19) Benjamin, JN

Producer and Black Ticket Project founder Tobi Kyeremateng explains her ambitions to creatively promote diversity and social justice in the arts. The Black Ticket Project offers free or discounted theater tickets for young black people in London, to encourage more attendance by overlooked audiences. The project has so far raised more than £14,000 ($17,178), supported by crowdfunding through the Patreon membership platform. To date, the effort has distributed about 7,000 tickets. "There's an attitude that everything young people see, touch and do with the arts we have to introduce to their lives, and it has to change their lives or they have to change themselves to be a part of the arts industry," Kyeremateng says. "I just find that so jarring — the way that it's measured." Kyeremateng adds that the productions showcased by the project do not necessarily have to be black-oriented. "I want to be known for being a creative person as well as pushing for racial justice in the arts," she stresses. "There are many different elements to the work I do and I want to be known for all of those elements and not necessarily just as the black Robin Hood."

Read the full article on The Stage.