A mentoring organisation and support network dedicated to helping young people from under-resourced backgrounds access arts and humanities opportunities, has announced a call for volunteers from Merseyside’s creative and cultural community.
Arts Emergency are looking for professionals to mentor and inspire the region’s next generation of artists, thinkers, and creatives aged 16-18 as part of the exciting programme.
Research has found that 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 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.
Mentor and mentee (Photo by Rob Greig)
As Arts Emergency expands its reach in Merseyside, the organisation is seeking volunteers from the creative and cultural sectors to join their movement. Ideal candidates include artists, writers, designers, musicians, actors, curators, and other professionals from the arts and humanities who can spare just one hour a month to share their experience with young talent.
Neil Griffiths, Arts Emergency Co-Founder & CEO, said: “Merseyside has an incredible wealth of creative talent and cultural heritage. By pairing young people in the area with mentors from this dynamic community, we can ensure that the next generation of artists and thinkers reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the region.”
Turner prize winning artist Mark Leckey said: “Arts Emergency to me is important in that it is offering a kind of opportunity to people from a background similar to the one I grew up in. Where art is often seen as something very alien, and alienating and there doesn’t appear any access to it, there doesn’t appear to be any pathway that can be taken.”
Mentoring introduction event (Photo by Rob Greig)
George, an aspiring musician and 2023 Arts Emergency Mentee, said: “[My mentor] gave me the extra confidence boost I needed to take the next step and apply to pursue music at university.”
Katy, an artist & civic practitioner and 2023 Arts Emergency mentor, said: “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.”
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.
Mentoring celebration event (Photo by Rob Greig)
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.
Join 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.
