Manchester’s Creative and Digital Industries have long been celebrated for their impressive gross added value of £4.4bn and their support for 78,500 individuals. However, recent statistics have highlighted a concerning gap in opportunities for the working class in the region. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, young talents from Manchester are 1.5 times more likely to face unemployment compared to the national average, with even graver odds for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
In response to this issue, Creative Mentor Network, a UK charity dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the creative industries, is proud to announce the launch of their new mentoring programme, “Break the Wall”, in Manchester. Designed for 16-25-year-olds from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, this programme aims to bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity by pairing mentees with experienced professionals from Manchester’s vibrant creative industries.
Despite being hailed as the UK’s creative capital, Manchester still faces challenges in providing equal opportunities for all within the industry. The Policy & Evidence Centre’s 2022 report revealed that while Manchester boasts the largest creative sector outside of London, areas of deprivation are often left behind as investment tends to gravitate towards more affluent areas.
Natasha Khan, Acting Managing Director of Creative Mentor Network, explains the importance of their new programme in Manchester, stating, “It’s no secret that the creative industry is very London centric, so it’s important for us to support those young people in other parts of the country who want to pursue a career in the creative industries. We’ve had mentees from the North on our programmes before, but being able to run a programme in Manchester will make these opportunities more accessible and support the huge amount of talent that exists in the area.”
The latest Census data further highlights the challenges faced by young people in Greater Manchester, with unemployment rates 1.5 times higher than the national average, particularly for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. These disparities are also reflected in Labor Force statistics, which show the uphill battle young people in Manchester face compared to their counterparts in London, Surrey, and Hertfordshire.
A number of barriers, including recruitment practices based on networks, underfunded careers education, and low wages, create formidable obstacles for aspiring creatives from working-class backgrounds. Creative Mentor Network recognizes that real change can only happen by dismantling these barriers.
Jenna Livesey, Business Director at Dentsu Creative in Manchester, shares her personal and professional experience with socio-diversity in the industry, stating, “With significant cuts to creative courses across curriculums and youth services being pulled from councils, we’re now seeing the repercussions – an overwhelming lack of working class representation in the creative industry. I’ve seen first hand how a socio-diverse team can drive real change to client challenges and business needs; different perspectives breed different results.”
Break the Wall is not just a mentorship programme; it’s a catalyst for systemic change within the creative industry. By partnering with leading creative organizations such as Sony Music, Amazon Prime Video, WeTransfer, and the Advertising Producers Association, Creative Mentor Network is not only nurturing talent but reshaping industry norms. Their programmes not only equip young talents with skills and networks, but they also challenge industry leaders to become inclusive mentors and champions of socioeconomic diversity.
By taking a holistic approach, Creative Mentor Network is not only empowering young talents to enter the industry but ensuring they thrive within it. The impact of their initiatives extends beyond individual success stories; it’s a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and inclusivity.
Cody Murray, a Manchester-based photographer and mentee alumni, shares his experience with the programme, stating, “I hoped that being on this programme would help me understand the industry more and how to look for opportunities. What I got from it was far more than I could have ever expected.”
As Creative Mentor Network embarks on this new journey in Manchester, they are calling upon local businesses to join them in championing socioeconomic diversity within the creative industries. By creating a more inclusive and accessible industry, they hope to build a stronger and more creatively diverse workforce and create a more inclusive future for Manchester’s creative community.
If you or your business are interested in participating in their October programme in Manchester, please find more information and register your interest on their website. Applications for mentors close at the end of June 2024.
