The cultural industries are dominated by people from privilege. Young people from underrepresented backgrounds are shut out from even breaking into (or even considering) careers in the arts. It’s who you know, not what you know. Only 16% of the workforce is from a working-class background, with even lower representation for ethnic minority and disabled people. We provide a real, practical alternative to the ‘Old Boys Club’: opening doors for ambitious young people who simply lack connections.

Throughout 2026, we will provide free 1:1 mentoring for 300 young people who have big dreams in the creative industries, but are from backgrounds underrepresented in the arts. Each teenager is matched with a hand-picked volunteer mentor who has their dream career. Through this relationship, young people get access to the sort of support that only usually comes with privilege: advice, insights, interview prep, work experience, and that all-important first personal connection in the industry.