With the Oscars, this Sunday, the talk of diversity in Hollywood has come about.
We all remember the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite that started to trend back in 2015. Now the creator of the hashtag, April Reign, has presented a new platform to help with the diversity in Hollywood.
On Thursday, she took to social media to introduce the website Akuarel as one of the solutions.
She said:
In January 2015, I created #OscarsSoWhite, a clarion call to increase diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. We have seen some progress, but there’s much more work to be done. I’ve talked about the problem for 3 years. It’s time for a solution. Meet Akuarel™️. pic.twitter.com/OJGnb08Owk
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 1, 2018
#OscarsSoWhite illuminated the lack of inclusion in media industries and made clear the need to amplify voices from marginalized communities throughout news and entertainment. The challenge, in part, is to access qualified talent from within these communities. #Akuarel pic.twitter.com/Si6YOMpF1Z
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 1, 2018
#Akuarel provides the solution: a centralized directory in which those who work on both sides of the camera or curtain and those who hold a pen, a computer, or a microphone can self-identify in the same #OscarsSoWhite categories: race, sexual orientation, disability, etc. pic.twitter.com/FJEqMcGfdQ
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 1, 2018
Media Diversity is not just a Hollywood problem. The negative societal impacts from the economic concentration, stifling of diverse voices and perpetuation of divisive cultural narratives makes it a national problem that must be addressed. #Akuarel #OscarsSoWhite pic.twitter.com/i4OvWCfGNj
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 1, 2018
One of #Akuarel’s goals: Develop viable recommendations for media diversity best practices that will increase the percentage of marginalized communities creating, owning, controlling and distributing entertainment and news content. #OscarsSoWhite pic.twitter.com/ov4QousB4q
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 1, 2018
To be very clear, #Akuarel will be a FREE service to creatives in the media space, both news and entertainment. Journalists, actors, boom operators, directors, key grips, freelance writers will all benefit. Both sides of the camera. Both sides of the curtain. #OscarsSoWhite pic.twitter.com/neckAGKiY5
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 1, 2018
Creatives will be able to search for jobs posted by news and entertainment outlets in #Akuarel. News and entertainment outlets will be able to find diverse candidates. Need an AAPI woman age 25-30 w/ 5 years experience for Moana 2? Here’s a list to audition. #OscarsSoWhite pic.twitter.com/708pBuozrU
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 1, 2018
Our early partners for #Akuarel include @CBSDiversity, @comcast, the @MPAA and @AENetworks. I am thrilled to launch this initiative today and look forward to working with creatives, networks, studios, & media outlets. #OscarsSoWhite pic.twitter.com/I3T8XBWwpi
— April (@ReignOfApril) March 1, 2018
