The arts rely heavily on volunteers and unpaid interns, and any arts or humanities student will probably be able to confirm how difficult it can be to find paid work and actually gain a footing in the creative and cultural industry. This is especially true for young people from working-class backgrounds.
A third of major creative leaders were privately educated
A recent survey by The Guardian has revealed that about a third of major creative leaders were privately educated. Furthermore, a notable percentage of them attended Oxford or Cambridge. Prominent figures like Filmmaker Shane Meadows, Peaky Blinders Creator Steven Knight and Turner Prize Winner Jesse Darling have spoken up about this issue, describing it as a serious crisis in the sector.
Although internships with fixed hours and responsibilities are often legally required to offer payment, the arts industries have usually been able to dodge such regulations without repercussions. In turn, this fosters a work culture where young creatives feel compelled to accept unpaid roles for the benefit of experience despite severe financial burdens.
Many aspiring artists, performers, and writers - including myself - have found themselves taking on unpaid positions and responsibilities in the hopes that one will eventually be a gateway to paid and acknowledged work. This creates a vicious cycle where those with a more stable financial backing can afford working for free, while working-class talents struggle to break in.
A vicious cycle where those with a more stable financial backing can afford working for free
It’s saddening that young creatives are being exploited for their curiosity, willingness to learn, and naivety in the job market. Promises of 'exposure' or valuable connections are all well and good, but they shouldn’t be used to compensate for hard work and fair pay. Employers may frame these jobs as a privilege, an exclusive opportunity to work in a field many feel so passionate about.
However, without any financial support, young talents ultimately find they cannot sustain themselves in the long term to make their mark on the industry. By doing so, the culture sector is not only forcing a lot of talented individuals to give up their dreams, but it also risks losing valuable and diverse voices, manipulating its very own future.