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New Book published: THE NATURE OF THE BEAST CULTURAL DIVERSITY & THE VISUAL ARTS SECTOR - A Study of Policies, Initiatives and Attitudes 1976-2006 The Nature of the Beast challenges many widely held assumptions around cultural diversity and the case for institutional support of Black artists’ activity. Hylton, curator and writer of art criticism, meets a long overdue need for public analysis of cultural diversity policies within the publicly funded visual arts sector. A fascinating and well researched account of the roles played by Arts Council England, GLC, Lottery, New Labour, and England’s major galleries and arts organisations. Hylton charts cultural diversity’s various incarnations, from ‘ethnic arts’ in the late 1970s, ‘black arts’ in the 1980s, ‘new internationalism’ in the 1990s and ‘culturally diverse arts’ in the 21st century. He traces the struggles for power and representation and assesses the extent to which certain policies and initiatives might have assisted or hindered the progress of Black artists within the English gallery system. The book raises wider questions about the political agenda behind New Labour’s promotion of an ‘inclusive society’ and its effect on the Arts Council’s prioritization of cultural diversity in the arts. Over the past sixteen years, Richard Hylton has worked as a curator in various organisations including Oldham Art Gallery, University of Bradford, Autograph (Association of Black Photographers) and Unit 2 Gallery, London Metropolitan University and has curated numerous national and international exhibitions. “The most authoritative modern history of Black artists’ activity in Britain.” Eddie Chambers, curator and writer £9.95, order from: http://www.thenatureofthebeast.org.uk/ Published by ICIA (Institute of Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts), University of Bath. Supported by Arts Council England.