Are you a young person? Interested in a career in 'the arts'?! Here is some information on some of the industries that make up the arts scene and support on how you can get started in the arts!
This article will provide you with some helpful pointers on how to get into the arts and cultural industries, including the 'types of training' opportunities that you might consider.
There are also some guides on different areas of the arts that you might be interested in, and the specific organisations who you can go to for support.
There are a number of routes into the arts and cultural industries. People in these industries have a diverse range of skills and experience, and they come from a variety of educational backgrounds.
A great starting point is to consider and research what area of the sector you want to go into, and to look at the training routes and qualifications you might need:
This is an online service with tools, knowledge and networks to support you in getting into the arts and cultural industries. The website offers information, advice, guidance and news to support you throughout your career. Creative Choices work with a large number of industry organisations and regional partners to provide expert knowledge.
Skillset is the industry body supporting skills and training for people and businesses working in TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging, publishing, advertising and fashion and textiles. Skillset supports people through their career, informing those just starting out and providing information and resources for those who want to take their career further.
An online guide to education and career opportunities in the arts and cultural industries.
The Creative Apprenticeship is a new alternative route into the arts and cultural sector. Entry into 'Creative Apprenticeships' are based on ability and potential, not academic track record. They are a mixture of work experience, in-job training and some classroom training. Young people have the opportunity to acquire skills, knowledge and experience and gain qualifications at the same time. Apprenticeships are available in many types of arts-based careers.
The Creative & Media Diploma provides a broad, applied learning programme. It is delivered through skills-based, practical classroom learning and work-related learning in the creative and media industries, to 14-19 year olds. It approaches learning in a creative and applied way with industry devised learning outcomes and innovative assessment methods.
Arts Award supports 11-25 year olds in engaging with the arts and building creative and leadership skills, whilst achieving a nationally-recognised qualification. Through Arts Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels you can explore any of the artforms from fashion to poetry, rapping to dancing, sculpture to film. The award builds confidence, helps young people to enjoy cultural activities, and prepares them for further education or employment.
The National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills is a network of creative and cultural employers and organisations, freelancers and training providers and is addressing skills shortages across the performing arts. The National Skills Academy programme delivers: an apprenticeship programme, work-related learning and placements, 'on the job' qualifications, industry endorsed information, advice and guidance, and activity to support the Creative & Media Diploma.
Creative Alliance is a group of experienced professionals working collaboratively to support, develop and train creative talent across the West Midlands. They provide practice led professional learning programmes developed and delivered by practitioners. Creative Alliance provide learning opportunities for people at all levels of their career, from people just starting out to those developing their practice further.