The Creative Diversity Xperience

About CDX

A first for the British Broadcasting Company, the Creative Diversity Xperience brings together iconic stars and cultural influencers for six hours of live-streaming via this link. PLUS, you’ll be able to watch the whole thing with your friends in a private room, with the opportunity to ask some of the biggest names in the industry your burning questions!  

So, whether you’re interested in breaking into directing, film production, journalism, podcasting, music production, acting and more creative industry roles, CDX is definitely for you.  

So how can I get ahead of the game? 

We recommend signing up to CDX beforehand so on the day you can access the live stream quickly and easily with no waiting around. But be warned, you’ll probably want to use headphones for optimal audio resolution, and be sure you’re using Google Chrome as your internet browser

Which diverse influencers and stars will be taking the floor? 

With Cynthia Erivo and Michaela Coel headlining, other names include Clara Amfo, DJ Target, Masali Baduza (Noughts and Crosses), Aoifa Hinds (Normal People, Derry Girls) and Lucy Sheen (Ping Pong, Dim Sum). 

June Sarpong, BBC’s Director of Creative Diversity 

“It is important for the BBC to be the beacon to rest of the industry and champion Diversity and Inclusion. We have thought carefully about creating an authentic, engaging and immersive experience using innovative technology. CDX will set its self apart from what people may have seen or expect of the BBC.”    

Miranda Wayland, BBC’s Head of Creative Diversity  

“CDX is a first for the BBC and the wider creative industry and I am excited about this opportunity to amplify the wealth of ethnically diverse talent within the creative industry. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved and the diverse team who have shaped CDX to be the voice for our young diverse audiences.” 

Faron McKenzie, Marketing Manager for Radio 1 and 1Xtra & Head of CDX   

“It’s been an honour to lead on an exciting production like CDX. I’m proud that our team of creators looked like and shared a similar lived experience to our audience. It is important for the BBC to champion Diversity and Inclusion and not be afraid to lean into these subject matters.” 

Radio 1’s Clara Amfo will sit down with Cynthia Erivo for an exclusive one-on-one conversation, and Michaela Coel will host a masterclass, along with plenty of other sessions including music masterclasses with big UK artists.  

Tuesday 28th July

10.45 – 11.00: Welcome from BBC’s Director General, Tony Hall with June Sarpong, Director of Creative Diversity and Miranda Wayland, Head of Creative Diversity

11.00 – 11.45: “Movement or a moment?’’ with Ryan Jamaal Swain, Noel Clarke, Cassandra Johnson Bekoe & Kwame Kwei-Armah

12.45 – 13.15: “Shade Like Me’’ with Beverly Naya, Diana Yekinni, Chika Okoro, Chandana Hiran

14.00 – 14.45: “In Conversation with Michaela Coel’’ hosted by Farrah Chaudhry

16.00 – 16.30: “Live from New York” DJ Ace talks to H.E.R

17.00 – 17.30: “Trailblazers” with Masali Baduza star of Noughts and Crosses and Man Like Mobeen star Dúaa Karim

18.00 – 18.30: Clara Amfo speaks to Cynthia Erivo

20.00 – 20.30: “Moving beyond yellow face casting” with Evelyn Mok, Lucy Sheen, Aoife Hinds and Matt Lim

Wednesday 29th July

10.00 – 10.30: Asim Chaudhry talks about his creation of Chabuddy G

11.00 – 11.30: “Cancel Culture’’ with Rashid K, Ritchie Brave and Pilar Nalwimba

12.30 – 13.00: “U Got Laughs” with Eddie Kadi, Sheridan De Myers, Deano, and David Sonowo

14.00 -14.45: “Brown Girls on the rise” with Ramaa Sharma, Jas Kaur, Aneesa Shariff and Fawzia Afzal-Khan.

16:00 – 16:45: Haroon Rashid speaks to Ishaan Khatter

17.00 – 17.30: “Synthetic Celebrities” with Tina Daheley

18.00 – 18.30: “Black and Scottish” with Bash The Entertainer, Stewart Kyasimire, Mara Menzies and Vanessa Kanbi

20.00 – 20.30: “Just Ask” with Aurie Styla, Eshaan Akbar, Evelyn Mok and Sikisa

Watch CDX on 28th and 29th July, and to get all the latest telly scoops sent straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.