Allyship Toolkit

'Beyond Optical Allyship' is an open-source training program for creative industry professionals, teaching allyship best-practices and processes at both an individual and institutional level.

Program Details

The sustainable recovery of our industry depends on the ongoing investment in both a diverse suite of talent and an inclusive working environment for them to thrive.

‘Beyond Optical Allyship’ has been co-designed by senior academics, global DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) leaders and Rare's community of practitioners to confront fault-lines and foster allyship at each and every level of the industry. Through foundational modules and ongoing resources, participants will learn the latest in academic thought surrounding allyship, hear thought-provoking case studies of meaningful allyship in action, and receive tangible frameworks to practice allyship in their own professional environment.

'Beyond Optical Allyship' is a free program made available to anyone in the creative industries.

Program Modules

Portrait of Wangu Chafuwa against a brick background, who is interviewed among others in this video

Rare Allies

Examining Allyship

The word ‘allyship’ has lost its meaning, prioritising certificates and workshops over systemic improvements in workplace culture, policy and practices. How might we move beyond this performative current state and redefine ‘allyship’ as an ongoing tool towards substantial change? Hear from Rare's community of educators and practitioners on how we can start to reframe what this word means today and take our first steps on this lifelong journey.

Curated community resources

Building Cultural Intelligence (PDF) I&D Data Intelligence (PDF) Undertaking Self Inquiry (PDF)

Rare Allies

Reframing Allyship

Real change starts here. In this examination, sociologist and research fellow Dr. Tsedale Melaku shines light on the fundamental changes that can be made towards meaningful allyship at an executive level. With a proactive mindset, an openness to listening and a little design thinking, these doable acts will help support an industry-wide shift from performative allyship to systemic improvement.

Curated community resources

Building Cultural Intelligence (PDF) I&D Data Intelligence (PDF) Undertaking Self Inquiry (PDF)

Portrait of Takunda Muzondiwa against a yellow background, who performs poetry in this video

Rare Allies

A Spoken Word Poem on Allyship

When did allyship become more of a fashion statement than an action statement? In this powerful performance, Zimbabwe-born, Aotearoa-based poet Takunda Muzondiwa reflects on the exponential dilution of allyship, asking important questions around when 'ally' turns to 'saviour' and who really wins when the game itself is rigged.

Curated community resources

Building Cultural Intelligence (PDF) I&D Data Intelligence (PDF) Undertaking Self Inquiry (PDF)