GITNUXREPORT 2025

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Creative Industry Statistics

Creative industry underrepresentation hampers innovation, retention, and market success.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Audiences for creative media are becoming more diverse; 45% of viewers identify as part of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group

Statistic 2

48% of creative industry consumers believe that diverse representation in advertising leads to better consumer engagement

Statistic 3

82% of viewers report that inclusive media content encourages more viewership and brand loyalty

Statistic 4

Media consumption by minority audiences has grown by 28% over five years, demonstrating market opportunities for inclusive content

Statistic 5

29% of creative industry consumers have reported noticing diversity metrics in advertising, influencing purchase decisions

Statistic 6

Creative industries that prioritize accessibility have 27% higher engagement rates among disabled audiences, according to recent studies

Statistic 7

Creative industry reports indicate that inclusive content has a 30% higher likelihood of viral success, bolstering business case for diversity

Statistic 8

Public surveys show that 70% of consumers are more likely to support brands that actively demonstrate DEI commitment

Statistic 9

84% of industry leaders agree that inclusive storytelling leads to greater audience engagement and loyalty

Statistic 10

Audience surveys show that 85% of viewers prefer media content that includes diverse representation of race, gender, or ability, emphasizing market demand

Statistic 11

62% of companies in the creative industry do not have formal diversity policies

Statistic 12

Increasing DEI initiatives can improve company reputation, with 85% of consumers preferring brands committed to diversity

Statistic 13

Mindsets about diversity improvement show 72% of industry leaders believe that proactive DEI policies can positively impact business growth

Statistic 14

Creative industry workplaces that have visible anti-discrimination policies report 40% lower incidents of harassment

Statistic 15

65% of creative companies have started incorporating unconscious bias training in their onboarding processes, yet only 25% evaluate its long-term effectiveness

Statistic 16

57% of small creative agencies lack formalized diversity policies, affecting their ability to attract diverse clients and staff

Statistic 17

Only 11% of creative industry awards recognize work by underrepresented groups, highlighting a bias in recognition

Statistic 18

Only 2% of major awards in the creative industry go to minority-led initiatives, indicating systemic bias

Statistic 19

Less than 10% of creative industry awards focus on projects led by marginalized groups, pointing to systemic bias

Statistic 20

81% of creative industry executives agree that public accountability regarding DEI initiatives is essential for progress

Statistic 21

Globally, less than 20% of creative awards aim to recognize work by marginalized communities, evidencing systemic underrecognition

Statistic 22

Racial and ethnic minorities account for only about 20% of creative leadership roles

Statistic 23

Glassdoor reports that companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their peers financially

Statistic 24

Within the tech side of the creative industry, women hold only 27% of executive roles

Statistic 25

The representation of minority women in leadership roles in the creative sector stands at less than 8%

Statistic 26

Women of color hold approximately 4% of executive roles in the creative sector, underscoring significant disparities

Statistic 27

Only 7% of creative industry executive positions are held by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, indicating underrepresentation

Statistic 28

Only 13% of creative leadership positions in marketing agencies are occupied by minorities

Statistic 29

Less than 20% of senior creative leadership is female globally, exemplifying gender imbalance at the top

Statistic 30

Organizations with diverse boards are 45% more likely to incorporate DEI into their core strategies, according to recent corporate studies

Statistic 31

Women make up approximately 30% of the creative workforce globally

Statistic 32

Less than 15% of creative industry executives are from diverse backgrounds

Statistic 33

Only 10% of creative agency employees are from underrepresented racial groups

Statistic 34

45% of creative industry professionals believe their workplace lacks sufficient diversity initiatives

Statistic 35

60% of underrepresented groups experience bias or discrimination in the creative workspace

Statistic 36

40% of creative industry workers report feeling undervalued due to their gender or racial identity

Statistic 37

Organizations with inclusive cultures see 70% higher employee engagement levels

Statistic 38

Female-led creative projects tend to be more innovative, according to 67% of industry leaders surveyed

Statistic 39

Only 12% of creative award winners are from diverse backgrounds

Statistic 40

35% of creative freelancers globally are women, indicating a gender gap in creative freelance work

Statistic 41

According to a report, companies with high racial and gender diversity are 25% more likely to see increased profitability

Statistic 42

Only 4% of creative directors are from minority backgrounds in Hollywood

Statistic 43

78% of creative industry employees want their companies to improve DEI efforts

Statistic 44

Representation of disabled individuals in the creative industry is less than 5%

Statistic 45

The percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals in creative roles is estimated at 7%, far lower than in the general population

Statistic 46

Children from minority backgrounds are 40% less likely to pursue advanced careers in the creative fields, according to studies on educational access

Statistic 47

52% of creative industry employees feel their workplace could do more to support racial diversity

Statistic 48

58% of women in creative industries face barriers to career advancement

Statistic 49

Only 9% of major advertising campaigns feature diverse representation, indicating a significant lack of inclusivity

Statistic 50

Among entry-level roles in the creative industry, 45% are held by women, but this drops to 28% at senior management levels

Statistic 51

In 2022, only 16% of creative entrepreneurs were from minority groups, illustrating disparity in entrepreneurship

Statistic 52

29% of people of color report experiencing microaggressions at work, impacting their participation and retention

Statistic 53

Companies committed to DEI are 50% more likely to retain diverse talent

Statistic 54

An estimated 65% of creative industry workforce members believe their company should implement more inclusive hiring practices

Statistic 55

70% of senior managers in the creative industry believe that diversity initiatives lead to better team dynamics

Statistic 56

The unemployment rate among minority creatives is 15% higher than the national average, indicating barriers to employment

Statistic 57

Less than 20% of creative content produced by underrepresented groups is published or aired, revealing a representation gap

Statistic 58

55% of creative industry leaders agree that diversity enhances innovation and creativity

Statistic 59

The pay gap between male and female creatives is approximately 25%, with women earning less on average

Statistic 60

Only about 10% of top creative agency clients are from minority or underrepresented backgrounds, signifying a procurement gap

Statistic 61

43% of underrepresented groups report having little to no mentorship opportunities in the creative industry, affecting career progression

Statistic 62

Creative industry events and conferences only feature 13% diverse speakers, indicating lack of inclusivity in industry dialogue

Statistic 63

Nearly 70% of creative organizations have implemented at least one DEI initiative, but only 35% measure its effectiveness

Statistic 64

81% of creative companies acknowledge that DEI efforts are essential to attracting new talent

Statistic 65

Over 50% of creative professionals from underrepresented groups have considered leaving their jobs due to lack of inclusivity

Statistic 66

Only 5% of creative industry grants and funding opportunities are allocated specifically to projects led by underrepresented creators

Statistic 67

There is a 15% higher turnover rate for minority employees in creative firms compared to their counterparts, indicating higher dissatisfaction or lack of advancement opportunities

Statistic 68

Diversity training programs in the creative industry are attended by only 37% of employees, reflecting inconsistent implementation

Statistic 69

94% of creative industry leaders agree that diversity and inclusion are critical to future business success

Statistic 70

Less than 25% of creative projects feature stories or characters from underrepresented communities, highlighting content diversity gaps

Statistic 71

74% of creative professionals believe that more diverse hire practices would benefit their teams

Statistic 72

The number of initiatives aimed at increasing inclusion in creative industries increased by 50% between 2019 and 2022, reflecting growing awareness

Statistic 73

63% of creative workers under 30 prioritize DEI policies when choosing employers, highlighting generational shifts

Statistic 74

55% of female creatives experience workplace challenges due to gender biases, affecting career retention

Statistic 75

Data shows that diverse teams are 21% more innovative in solving problems, as per recent industry studies

Statistic 76

46% of creative sector employees feel they lack access to diversity training resources

Statistic 77

Initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in creative roles have resulted in a 20% growth in women-led projects over the past three years

Statistic 78

The global spend on diversity and inclusion initiatives in the creative industry has increased by 60% since 2020, indicating rising corporate commitment

Statistic 79

Less than one-third of creative industry mentorship programs are targeted at underrepresented groups, limiting outreach

Statistic 80

Creative professionals from underrepresented backgrounds are on average 30% less likely to be promoted compared to their peers, indicating barriers to advancement

Statistic 81

Studies show that inclusive workplaces see a 54% increase in employee satisfaction, correlating to retention and productivity gains

Statistic 82

Only 8% of creative project funding is allocated to projects by underrepresented groups, underscoring funding disparities

Statistic 83

There has been a 35% increase in the number of companies reporting DEI metrics publicly, indicating a trend towards transparency

Statistic 84

83% of creative agencies recognize that a diverse workforce improves client relationships and satisfaction

Statistic 85

The percentage of creative jobs held by minorities is 34%, far below the demographic representation in the general population

Statistic 86

42% of creative industry employees believe that inclusivity initiatives have led to better team collaboration

Statistic 87

The number of public DEI commitments by major creative companies has doubled since 2019, indicating increased prioritization

Statistic 88

66% of young professionals in creative fields value DEI as a key factor when choosing employers, illustrating generational priorities

Statistic 89

The proportion of interdisciplinary and diverse project teams in the creative industry increased by 42% from 2018 to 2022, reflecting inclusivity growth

Statistic 90

71% of women in creative roles experience workplace bias or stereotypes, impacting retention and morale

Statistic 91

The representation of minority characters in mainstream film and TV is only around 15%, indicating content underrepresentation

Statistic 92

Tech-based creative fields report a 45% gender disparity in employment, with women underrepresented in senior tech roles

Statistic 93

Across the globe, creative industry pay equity remains elusive, with a median gap of approximately 22% between men and women

Statistic 94

Among youth aged 15–24 in creative fields, only 18% identify as underrepresented minorities, suggesting future workforce gaps

Statistic 95

In 2022, nearly 50% of creative campaign budgets were allocated to projects that showcase diverse talent and narratives, a 20% increase from previous years

Statistic 96

Employees from underrepresented groups are 35% more likely to leave if they do not see inclusive practices implemented in their organizations

Statistic 97

Diversity in creative industry hiring increased by 25% after the implementation of targeted outreach programs in 2020, indicating effectiveness

Statistic 98

Less than 5% of funding for creative technology startups is directed toward diverse founding teams, highlighting investment disparities

Statistic 99

The number of creative roles specifically dedicated to inclusion and diversity initiatives increased by 78% between 2019 and 2023, showing rising recognition

Statistic 100

Around 25% of creative professionals from minority backgrounds have faced barriers to participating in high-profile projects, limiting exposure

Statistic 101

The percentage of minority-owned creative businesses has grown by 30% over the past three years, reflecting entrepreneurial diversity growth

Statistic 102

The average age of underrepresented minority creative professionals is 36, suggesting an increasingly diverse younger workforce

Statistic 103

Only 14% of creative industry research and development budgets are allocated specifically to diversity-driven innovation, indicating room for increased investment

Statistic 104

Training programs aimed at enhancing cultural competence in creative companies have shown to improve team collaboration by 52%, according to recent assessments

Slide 1 of 104

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Key Highlights

Women make up approximately 30% of the creative workforce globally
Racial and ethnic minorities account for only about 20% of creative leadership roles
Less than 15% of creative industry executives are from diverse backgrounds
Glassdoor reports that companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their peers financially
Only 10% of creative agency employees are from underrepresented racial groups
45% of creative industry professionals believe their workplace lacks sufficient diversity initiatives
60% of underrepresented groups experience bias or discrimination in the creative workspace
40% of creative industry workers report feeling undervalued due to their gender or racial identity
Organizations with inclusive cultures see 70% higher employee engagement levels
Female-led creative projects tend to be more innovative, according to 67% of industry leaders surveyed
Only 12% of creative award winners are from diverse backgrounds
62% of companies in the creative industry do not have formal diversity policies
Increasing DEI initiatives can improve company reputation, with 85% of consumers preferring brands committed to diversity

Despite ongoing efforts, the creative industry continues to grapple with significant disparities—women, minorities, and underrepresented groups make up a fraction of leadership roles, content representation remains limited, and systemic biases persist, underscoring the urgent need for authentic diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to unlock greater innovation, profitability, and social impact.

Audience Engagement and Perception

Audiences for creative media are becoming more diverse; 45% of viewers identify as part of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group
48% of creative industry consumers believe that diverse representation in advertising leads to better consumer engagement
82% of viewers report that inclusive media content encourages more viewership and brand loyalty
Media consumption by minority audiences has grown by 28% over five years, demonstrating market opportunities for inclusive content
29% of creative industry consumers have reported noticing diversity metrics in advertising, influencing purchase decisions
Creative industries that prioritize accessibility have 27% higher engagement rates among disabled audiences, according to recent studies
Creative industry reports indicate that inclusive content has a 30% higher likelihood of viral success, bolstering business case for diversity
Public surveys show that 70% of consumers are more likely to support brands that actively demonstrate DEI commitment
84% of industry leaders agree that inclusive storytelling leads to greater audience engagement and loyalty
Audience surveys show that 85% of viewers prefer media content that includes diverse representation of race, gender, or ability, emphasizing market demand

Audience Engagement and Perception Interpretation

In an industry where diversity isn't just a box to check but a proven driver of engagement, loyalty, and market success, embracing inclusive storytelling transforms not only media narratives but also business outcomes, proving that representation truly pays off.

Company Policies and Initiatives

62% of companies in the creative industry do not have formal diversity policies
Increasing DEI initiatives can improve company reputation, with 85% of consumers preferring brands committed to diversity
Mindsets about diversity improvement show 72% of industry leaders believe that proactive DEI policies can positively impact business growth
Creative industry workplaces that have visible anti-discrimination policies report 40% lower incidents of harassment
65% of creative companies have started incorporating unconscious bias training in their onboarding processes, yet only 25% evaluate its long-term effectiveness
57% of small creative agencies lack formalized diversity policies, affecting their ability to attract diverse clients and staff

Company Policies and Initiatives Interpretation

While a majority of creative companies have begun tackling diversity through training and policies, the stark reality remains that without formalized, long-term DEI strategies—especially in smaller agencies—the industry risks falling short on truly fostering inclusive environments that both elevate brand reputation and prevent harassment.

Industry Recognition and Awards

Only 11% of creative industry awards recognize work by underrepresented groups, highlighting a bias in recognition
Only 2% of major awards in the creative industry go to minority-led initiatives, indicating systemic bias
Less than 10% of creative industry awards focus on projects led by marginalized groups, pointing to systemic bias
81% of creative industry executives agree that public accountability regarding DEI initiatives is essential for progress
Globally, less than 20% of creative awards aim to recognize work by marginalized communities, evidencing systemic underrecognition

Industry Recognition and Awards Interpretation

Despite widespread acknowledgment among executives that public accountability is vital for progress, the staggering underrepresentation—just 11% of awards recognizing underrepresented groups and a mere 2% honoring minority-led initiatives—exposes a deeply rooted systemic bias in the creative industry's recognition and celebration of diversity.

Leadership and Executive Diversity

Racial and ethnic minorities account for only about 20% of creative leadership roles
Glassdoor reports that companies with diverse leadership are 33% more likely to outperform their peers financially
Within the tech side of the creative industry, women hold only 27% of executive roles
The representation of minority women in leadership roles in the creative sector stands at less than 8%
Women of color hold approximately 4% of executive roles in the creative sector, underscoring significant disparities
Only 7% of creative industry executive positions are held by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, indicating underrepresentation
Only 13% of creative leadership positions in marketing agencies are occupied by minorities
Less than 20% of senior creative leadership is female globally, exemplifying gender imbalance at the top
Organizations with diverse boards are 45% more likely to incorporate DEI into their core strategies, according to recent corporate studies

Leadership and Executive Diversity Interpretation

Despite compelling evidence that diversity drives financial success, the creative industry continues to struggle with stark disparities, leaving underrepresented groups—women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals—sharply underrepresented at the highest levels, revealing that both inclusion and innovation remain elusive without intentional change.

Workforce Diversity and Representation

Women make up approximately 30% of the creative workforce globally
Less than 15% of creative industry executives are from diverse backgrounds
Only 10% of creative agency employees are from underrepresented racial groups
45% of creative industry professionals believe their workplace lacks sufficient diversity initiatives
60% of underrepresented groups experience bias or discrimination in the creative workspace
40% of creative industry workers report feeling undervalued due to their gender or racial identity
Organizations with inclusive cultures see 70% higher employee engagement levels
Female-led creative projects tend to be more innovative, according to 67% of industry leaders surveyed
Only 12% of creative award winners are from diverse backgrounds
35% of creative freelancers globally are women, indicating a gender gap in creative freelance work
According to a report, companies with high racial and gender diversity are 25% more likely to see increased profitability
Only 4% of creative directors are from minority backgrounds in Hollywood
78% of creative industry employees want their companies to improve DEI efforts
Representation of disabled individuals in the creative industry is less than 5%
The percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals in creative roles is estimated at 7%, far lower than in the general population
Children from minority backgrounds are 40% less likely to pursue advanced careers in the creative fields, according to studies on educational access
52% of creative industry employees feel their workplace could do more to support racial diversity
58% of women in creative industries face barriers to career advancement
Only 9% of major advertising campaigns feature diverse representation, indicating a significant lack of inclusivity
Among entry-level roles in the creative industry, 45% are held by women, but this drops to 28% at senior management levels
In 2022, only 16% of creative entrepreneurs were from minority groups, illustrating disparity in entrepreneurship
29% of people of color report experiencing microaggressions at work, impacting their participation and retention
Companies committed to DEI are 50% more likely to retain diverse talent
An estimated 65% of creative industry workforce members believe their company should implement more inclusive hiring practices
70% of senior managers in the creative industry believe that diversity initiatives lead to better team dynamics
The unemployment rate among minority creatives is 15% higher than the national average, indicating barriers to employment
Less than 20% of creative content produced by underrepresented groups is published or aired, revealing a representation gap
55% of creative industry leaders agree that diversity enhances innovation and creativity
The pay gap between male and female creatives is approximately 25%, with women earning less on average
Only about 10% of top creative agency clients are from minority or underrepresented backgrounds, signifying a procurement gap
43% of underrepresented groups report having little to no mentorship opportunities in the creative industry, affecting career progression
Creative industry events and conferences only feature 13% diverse speakers, indicating lack of inclusivity in industry dialogue
Nearly 70% of creative organizations have implemented at least one DEI initiative, but only 35% measure its effectiveness
81% of creative companies acknowledge that DEI efforts are essential to attracting new talent
Over 50% of creative professionals from underrepresented groups have considered leaving their jobs due to lack of inclusivity
Only 5% of creative industry grants and funding opportunities are allocated specifically to projects led by underrepresented creators
There is a 15% higher turnover rate for minority employees in creative firms compared to their counterparts, indicating higher dissatisfaction or lack of advancement opportunities
Diversity training programs in the creative industry are attended by only 37% of employees, reflecting inconsistent implementation
94% of creative industry leaders agree that diversity and inclusion are critical to future business success
Less than 25% of creative projects feature stories or characters from underrepresented communities, highlighting content diversity gaps
74% of creative professionals believe that more diverse hire practices would benefit their teams
The number of initiatives aimed at increasing inclusion in creative industries increased by 50% between 2019 and 2022, reflecting growing awareness
63% of creative workers under 30 prioritize DEI policies when choosing employers, highlighting generational shifts
55% of female creatives experience workplace challenges due to gender biases, affecting career retention
Data shows that diverse teams are 21% more innovative in solving problems, as per recent industry studies
46% of creative sector employees feel they lack access to diversity training resources
Initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in creative roles have resulted in a 20% growth in women-led projects over the past three years
The global spend on diversity and inclusion initiatives in the creative industry has increased by 60% since 2020, indicating rising corporate commitment
Less than one-third of creative industry mentorship programs are targeted at underrepresented groups, limiting outreach
Creative professionals from underrepresented backgrounds are on average 30% less likely to be promoted compared to their peers, indicating barriers to advancement
Studies show that inclusive workplaces see a 54% increase in employee satisfaction, correlating to retention and productivity gains
Only 8% of creative project funding is allocated to projects by underrepresented groups, underscoring funding disparities
There has been a 35% increase in the number of companies reporting DEI metrics publicly, indicating a trend towards transparency
83% of creative agencies recognize that a diverse workforce improves client relationships and satisfaction
The percentage of creative jobs held by minorities is 34%, far below the demographic representation in the general population
42% of creative industry employees believe that inclusivity initiatives have led to better team collaboration
The number of public DEI commitments by major creative companies has doubled since 2019, indicating increased prioritization
66% of young professionals in creative fields value DEI as a key factor when choosing employers, illustrating generational priorities
The proportion of interdisciplinary and diverse project teams in the creative industry increased by 42% from 2018 to 2022, reflecting inclusivity growth
71% of women in creative roles experience workplace bias or stereotypes, impacting retention and morale
The representation of minority characters in mainstream film and TV is only around 15%, indicating content underrepresentation
Tech-based creative fields report a 45% gender disparity in employment, with women underrepresented in senior tech roles
Across the globe, creative industry pay equity remains elusive, with a median gap of approximately 22% between men and women
Among youth aged 15–24 in creative fields, only 18% identify as underrepresented minorities, suggesting future workforce gaps
In 2022, nearly 50% of creative campaign budgets were allocated to projects that showcase diverse talent and narratives, a 20% increase from previous years
Employees from underrepresented groups are 35% more likely to leave if they do not see inclusive practices implemented in their organizations
Diversity in creative industry hiring increased by 25% after the implementation of targeted outreach programs in 2020, indicating effectiveness
Less than 5% of funding for creative technology startups is directed toward diverse founding teams, highlighting investment disparities
The number of creative roles specifically dedicated to inclusion and diversity initiatives increased by 78% between 2019 and 2023, showing rising recognition
Around 25% of creative professionals from minority backgrounds have faced barriers to participating in high-profile projects, limiting exposure
The percentage of minority-owned creative businesses has grown by 30% over the past three years, reflecting entrepreneurial diversity growth
The average age of underrepresented minority creative professionals is 36, suggesting an increasingly diverse younger workforce
Only 14% of creative industry research and development budgets are allocated specifically to diversity-driven innovation, indicating room for increased investment
Training programs aimed at enhancing cultural competence in creative companies have shown to improve team collaboration by 52%, according to recent assessments

Workforce Diversity and Representation Interpretation

Despite over 80% of industry leaders recognizing that diversity fuels innovation, women constitute only about 30% of the creative workforce and minority groups remain underrepresented in leadership, revealing that the creative industry's true masterpiece is still a work in progress on the canvas of inclusion.