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Arts Emergency - the grassroots movement founded in 2013 by comedian Josie Long and activist Neil Griffiths has so far helped over 2,200 young people in the UK to overcome barriers, by opening doors for underrepresented young people with creative ambitions.
Connecting them to each other and to creative professionals - and by providing a long-term combined programme of mentorship, networking and real-world opportunities, the Arts Emergency team are making sure the next generation of creatives can get the access needed - and thrive in all sorts of cultural and creative areas.
The mentoring organisation and support network dedicated to helping young people aged 16-18 from under-resourced backgrounds access opportunities in the arts, has announced a call for volunteers in Greater Manchester’s vibrant creative and cultural communities to mentor and inspire the 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.
"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.
Arts Emergency has connected over 2,200 young people with creative professionals including; artists, writers, designers, musicians, actors, curators, and more (full list of sectors HERE) who commit to just one hour a month to help nurture the next generation of talent and make a real difference to representation in the creative sector.
“Having a mentor definitely gave me a clearer idea of how to develop ideas, write pitch documents and develop screen plays.” - Laaibah, aspiring script writer and 2024 Arts Emergency Mentee
Volunteering with Arts Emergency is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people in Manchester. Mentors provide more than just career advice; they offer a lifeline of support and a network of contacts who can open doors to 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.
“Mentoring is about creating a culture of openness that benefits the entire industry, not about gatekeeping and working in our own silos!” - Dhruv, architect and Arts Emergency mentor
You can Join the Arts Emergency community and help change the future of the creative and cultural worlds. Applications are now open until Monday 29 September. Sign-up here.
The application process includes a brief form. Training and ongoing support are provided to ensure a successful mentoring relationship.
