Creative Access is offering bursaries of up to £1,000 for people from under-represented backgrounds as a new survey reveals the financial burdens of progressing in TV and film.
The Creative Access Career Development Bursary builds on a support initiative launched three years ago with partner McLaren to improve diversity in motorsports, with more than 120 bursaries awarded to date.
Available to anyone over 18 from an under-represented background, the bursary will offer financial aid in areas such as equipment, software, career coaching, training, film festival submissions, disability access, driving lessons and care responsibilities.
As well as film, TV and audio production, Creative Access is inviting applications from people working in sectors including talent management, publishing, art, fashion, technology and gaming.
In a pan-sector Creative UK survey, 78% of TV and film respondents said that barriers such high living or commuting costs had prevented them from applying for jobs.
The challenges go beyond entry level, with 53% senior-level creative industry professionals saying that financial obstacles had prevented them from accepting job offers – significantly higher than the average 38%.
Recently-appointed Creative Access chief executive Mel Rodrigues said: “These concerning trends demonstrate just how difficult it is for talent from under-represented groups to get a foothold and progress in creative careers.
"Our bursary is a step towards dismantling these pervasive financial barriers, by addressing the economic constraints that are blocking both individual and collective potential to thrive in the creative industries.”
Applications for Creative Access’s bursaries are open until 4 November.
The organisation is hosting a Zoom ‘learn more’ session at 1pm on Wednesday 9 October. Register your interest here.
