I’m on the Yarndale exhibitor list. The list reveals that will again be a very white show, with only two BAME-owned businesses among the 200 businesses on the list.
I’ve both emailed and spoken with the Yarndale organisers about the show’s lack of diversity over the last few months. I did so after finding that a woman of colour I know that has applied many times to be a Yarndale exhibitor was yet again rejected.
I’ve stressed to the organisers that positive discrimination is currently required to counteract the effects of structural racism. I don’t think they’ve yet taken that on board. The more knitters, crocheters and exhibitors that contact them about this, the more likely it is that they will engage in the learning and change-making that are required to make the show more equitable. Please contact them!
