Scheme launched to encourage people from ethnic minorities to forge careers in creative sector
A network group for Bristol’s creative sector has launched a city wide internship programme.
Bristol Creative Industries (BCI), has teamed up with Bristol-based social enterprise Babbasa, to launch the initiative.
The scheme involves some of the best known creative businesses in the city.
The scheme will see many of the city’s most well-known creative businesses participate in offering six-month full time paid placements to applicants, in roles ranging from advertising, marketing, design, animation and digital.
The programme is aiming to help young people aged 18-24 from Bristol, who identify as ethnic minority and/or from a low-income background, wanting to gain insight and experience in the creative industry.
This programme comes following a report commissioned by BCI in late 2022 titled, A Creative Force to Be Reckoned With, which found that increasing diversity and inclusion was a significant priority for six in 10 creative firms in the city. With close to half also stating they want more help finding diverse talent from underrepresented groups, this programme is designed to bridge that gap.
Babbasa, who support diverse young people to achieve their aspirations, will be leading the recruitment process. They will be working closely with BCI and the participating creative businesses to match applicants to one of the available roles.
Chris Thurling, Chair of Bristol Creative Industries said: “We are delighted to formally announce this internship programme in partnership with Babbasa. The creative industry in Bristol is one of the best in the country, and we want to help open this up to as many young people in the city as we can. Our aim with this programme is to work closely with the fantastic team at Babbasa to connect bright young talent with some of the city’s best- and well-established businesses.”
Starting on the 15th May 2023, each successful applicant will work for six months. During that time participants will undergo two placements for two different agencies, both lasting three months each. The programme provides a mix of professional skills training, creative skills training, inspirational talks, networking events, mentoring and opportunities for future employment.
The deadline for applications is 28th March 2023, with interviews taking place over 4th & 5th April at Watershed Bristol. There will be an informal group workshop which will give applicants the chance to come and hear a bit more about the participating businesses, their internship offers, and meet some of the team. There will then be a 30-minute slot to chat to the interview panel and to explore applications in a bit more detail. Bristol Creative Industries will cover costs for travel to interviews for every candidate.
The businesses participating in the programme are:
- Aardman Animations
- Aer Studios
- Armadillo
- Atomic Smash
- Diva
- Halo
- McCann Bristol
- Mr B & Friends
- Newicon
- Noble Digital Performance
- Oakwood Media Group
- Six
- saintnicks
- ThirtyThree
- TMW Unlimited
Poku Pipim Osei, CEO & Founder of Babbasa, said: “Last year, we consulted with a range of city partners and underrepresented communities to better understand how Bristol can close the inequality gap for the next generation, in a report called the OurCity2030: Socioeconomic Analysis Report.
“What was striking is that over 38% of the young people surveyed had aspirations to pursue a career in the creative industries. This is why we are excited to be part of this partnership, as a demonstration of our commitment to work collaboratively and unlock doors for those who would not have otherwise had the chance.”
