We are one of the first Art History departments in the UK to pursue feminist studies, issues of class and inequality, and visual studies of difference. Going hand in hand with our academic focus on diversity, our Department aims to create a supportive, open-minded and welcoming environment that reflects our values. History of Art have an active and passionate Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board with representatives from across the staff and student communities. We are keen to learn from our students, our alumni and our staff, and we welcome your ideas and suggestions on how to make the department more inclusive.
We have chosen banner images across our website that reflect the diversity of the Art History teaching and research that can be found at UCL.Throughout our equality, diversity and inclusion pages, our staff and students have provided some short explanations about why that image was chosen for the page.
Access Art History
Open to 16–18-year-old students from UK state schools and colleges, this event offers a glimpse into university life and the world of art history.
Disability and Neurodiversity
Supporting disabled students is at the heart of UCL History of Art’s commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all.
Gender
UCL History of Art values gender balance and inclusivity, aiming to support equality among students and staff while highlighting and celebrating historically overlooked female artists.
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ students and staff are valued at UCL History of Art. We foster a welcoming, inclusive environment that reflects and supports the needs of diverse communities.
Race and Ethnicity
We are committed to welcoming more students from ethnic minority backgrounds and ensuring all students and staff feel supported, valued, and included.
Report + Support
At UCL History of Art, everyone has the right to feel safe. Harassment and prejudice are never tolerated, and we foster a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming community.
Staff Journeys
We celebrate diverse backgrounds and journeys. Our 'Staff Journeys' series shares how staff became Art Historians, showing there’s no single path. Art History is for everyone!
Student Journalists
Exploring art through the lens of equality, diversity, and inclusion, this journal showcases student journalists’ voices, insights, and stories.
Support and Wellbeing
We support our students and staff with a range of resources. Find key advice and support services available at UCL and beyond here.
If you have encountered, or been subject to, an instance of sexism, racism, classism, homophobia, transphobia or prejudice against your religious belief; or if you have been discriminated against on the basis of your disability or sexual, ethnic or social identity, please contact the department inclusion leads. Bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct are never okay. All UCL students and staff can report instances of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct anonymously, or with their contact details, using Report and Support:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board was formed in December 2020 as an extension of the departmental Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team. The Board reports to the Departmental Meeting and has a dotted reporting line to the Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Board. The Board incorporates the activities of the Self-Assessment Team and has an expanded, intersectional remit for the promotion of all equalities as described under the Equality Act 2010. The Board has representation from academic and professional services staff and students at every stage in their careers. All students in the Department are warmly encouraged to engage with the Board through the student representatives. The current Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board in the department is Professor Richard Taws.
Board Objectives
- Identify and propose equality priorities and objectives that will foster cohesion, eliminate discrimination and ensure everyone feels valued and included.
- Develop, implement and monitor a Diversity Action Plan that will inform Departmental planning and governance.
- Receive papers and reports from UCL and the Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Board.
- Responsible for overseeing the formulation and submission of Athena Swan applications.