Sheffield Theatres joins £1m scheme to boost graduate employment

Sheffield Theatres has been selected to join a flagship £1m scheme to help end what it described as “the middle class domination of the arts” by employing more graduates from lower income backgrounds.

Sheffield Theatres will join up to 40 arts venues across the UK to take part in the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme with each receiving funding to host a graduate placement for 12 months in a role new to the organisation.

The programme has already delivered success, with a new evaluation revealing that 60% of hosts on the last phase had extended contracts with placements, or made them permanent jobs once the bursary ended.

Its aim is to open up entry level work opportunities for gifted graduates who receive a full maintenance grant throughout university, and who would struggle to do the unpaid work which frequently acts as a gateway into the sector.

Dan Bates, chief executive of Sheffield Theatres, said: ”We are delighted to have been selected to be part of this programme. We’re passionate about diversifying our workforce to be more reflective or our city.

“This funding will help us recruit someone from a low income background to take up an entry level position in our fundraising team.”

Kate Danielson, programme director, said: ”Diversity is absolutely fundamental to the continued success of UK art and culture – whether it is diversity of artists, audiences or those working for arts organisations.

“The Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries is about breaking down barriers to support this, levelling the playing field for young people from lower income backgrounds and making sure arts organisations can benefit from the skills and experience of all young talent.

“This third phase is the most in-depth ever and we’re delighted to be working with 40 arts organisations who between them represent all corners of the country, a wide range of art forms and occupy very different positions within the wider arts and culture ecology of the UK.”