Arts Emergency, a mentoring organisation and support network dedicated to helping young people aged 16-18 from under-resourced backgrounds access arts and humanities opportunities, has announced a call for volunteers from Manchester's vibrant creative and cultural community to mentor and inspire the region's next generation of artists, thinkers, and creatives.
“Manchester is a major centre for the creative industries, an ambitious place, but with integrity and protest - a Mancunian spirit that crosses class, ethnic and religious boundaries. There is so much talent in the city and surrounding towns, but it’s been a terribly hard time and now more than ever young people need access to your networks, your opportunities, your support! Arts Emergency is about hope, joy, and practical solidarity now.”- Neil Griffiths, Arts Emergency Co-Founder & CEO
Young people from privileged backgrounds are four times more likely to make it into the creative industries than their peers and only 16% of people in the arts and humanities come from a working-class background. Arts Emergency’s mentoring programme is designed to tackle these inequalities at a grassroots level by pairing passionate young people with mentors who are established professionals in various creative fields. By providing guidance, encouragement, and industry insights, mentors play a crucial role in helping these young people navigate their next steps and realise their full potential.
“At the time of applying for a mentor I felt a bit lost with planning the future. Having a mentor to bounce ideas off, get advice about things - not just about theatre, but also about practical things, like financial planning for moving to London - was brilliant!” - Talitha, aspiring theatre designer and 2023 Arts Emergency Mentee
Arts Emergency is seeking volunteers from the creative and cultural sectors throughout Greater Manchester to join their movement. Ideal candidates include artists, writers, designers, musicians, actors, curators, and other professionals from the arts and humanities (full list of sectors HERE) who can spare one hour a month to share their experience with young talent.
"Our future cultural landscape is in danger of being populated exclusively by the children of the wealthy and well-connected. I love Arts Emergency because it works to bridge this gap. To create the opportunities that have been taken away for the non-wealthy." - Julie Hesmondhalgh, actress in Coronation Street, Happy Valley, Broadchurch and former mentor.
Volunteering with Arts Emergency is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people. Mentors provide more than just career advice; they offer a lifeline of support and a network of contacts who can open doors to exciting opportunities. Additionally, mentors benefit from the rewarding experience of fostering the next generation of creative talent and contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape. Supporters of the organisation include actors Julie Hesmondhalgh, Lolly Adefope and Mathew Baynton, comedians Joe Lycett and Nish Kumar, author and journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge and writers Sarah Perry and David Nicholls.
Katy - an artist & civic practitioner and 2023 Arts Emergency mentor is clear: “Everything felt like a shared learning journey. Mentoring is not just a great way to give back. It’s also a great way for people who are already working in the industry to expand their sense of community and learn from younger artists.”
Please consider joining the Arts Emergency community and help change the future of the creative and cultural worlds. Applications are open until Monday 30 September. Sign-up here.
The application process includes a brief form. Training and ongoing support are provided to ensure a successful mentoring relationship.Arts Emergency
Arts Emergency is an award-winning organisation founded by comedian Josie Long and activist Neil Griffiths. Since 2013 they have provided expert mentors, guidance and opportunities to support underrepresented young people into higher education and creative careers.
Arts Emergency helps young people without connections follow their passions and navigate their way into the creative and cultural sectors. The charity provides 16-25 year-olds with a combined long-term programme of mentorship, networking and real-world opportunities.
Arts Emergency also offers its mentoring programme in London and Merseyside.
