Rising Waves

Rising Waves is committed to elevating British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) voices across the arts and media industries. Through our mentorship programs, workshops, and collaborative events, we provide vital support for both emerging and mid-career professionals, ensuring that BESEA talent thrives at every level. Despite some progress for other minority groups, BESEA creatives remain one of the most underrepresented in arts and media. According to the latest Diamond Report, East Asian representation in TV has declined to just 0.6% for off-screen roles and only 1.5% on-screen. This severe underrepresentation extends into film and theatre, highlighting a systemic failure that must be addressed. We envision a world where BESEA creatives are fully represented in all areas of the arts and media, from leading roles on stage and screen to key positions behind the scenes. By building a sustainable pipeline of talent and demanding industry accountability, we aim to drive lasting change and progress for the next generation.