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38% of under-represented talent forced to decline jobs due to financial barriers

  • 82% of creatives from lower socio-economic backgrounds report financial barriers preventing job applications. 
  • 86% of disabled respondents cite financial barriers as a significant hurdle to applying for new roles. 
  • 94% of those in the Music, Theatre, Dance, and Visual Arts sector have faced financial obstacles when applying for jobs. 
  • Creative Access 2024/25 Career Development Bursary launches, supported by WME & McLaren Racing 

 
Recent data from Creative Access, the UK’s leading diversity, equity & inclusion social enterprise has uncovered stark financial challenges faced by under-represented talent in the creative industries. These include those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, disabled individuals, and Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse communities. The findings reveal that these financial barriers – such as high living or commuting costs – are not only deterring talent from these groups from applying for and accepting job offers – but also severely hindering their career progression. 

With 81% of respondents indicating that financial barriers, such as high living or commuting costs, have prevented them from applying for new positions, the survey underscores the persistent inequities within the creative economy. This figure rises even higher among disabled respondents at 86%. Meanwhile, those working within Music, Theatre, Dance, and Visual Arts sectors are the hardest hit, with an overwhelming 94% affected. 

The financial burdens do not stop at job applications. 38% of respondents report that financial barriers have prevented them from accepting job offers, with senior-level creative industry professionals (8+ years’ experience within the creative industries) feeling the pressure most acutely at 53%. The burden is particularly high for those in the Film, TV, Radio, and Audio Production sector, where 41% have had to turn down roles due to financial constraints. 

Bursary initiative launch: 

In response to these pressing issues, Creative Access is proud to announce the launch of its Career Development Bursary aimed at supporting under-represented professionals in the creative industries. This initiative will offer financial assistance to enable more under-represented talent to access and thrive in creative industry roles. The Bursary is generously supported by William Morris Endeavor (WME) and McLaren Racing. 

McLaren Racing has worked with Creative Access since 2021 as part of the team’s flagship DE&I programme, McLaren Racing Engage, which was launched to open pathways into motorsport careers and support talent from under-represented communities. 

2023/24 Creative Access Career Development Bursary testimonial: 

“Thank you so much for the support. We already had our first film festival success and will be screening at Aesthetica Film Festival in November – a big win for us that wouldn’t have been possible without the Bursary”. – Naomi 

Mel Rodrigues, CEO, Creative Access: 
“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.” 
 

Sagina Shabaya, Senior Director of Impact and Inclusion, Endeavor: 

“At WME, we are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent talented individuals from thriving in the creative industries. The survey highlights just how significant these financial challenges are, and we are proud to support Creative Access in providing tangible, financial assistance to under-represented talent. Through the Career Development Bursary, we hope to empower the next generation and ensure that the industry better reflects the diversity of voices and experiences that fuel its success.” 

 Kim Wilson, Director of Sustainability, McLaren Racing:  

“We are immensely proud of our collaboration with Creative Access, which has been a key partner in our Engage Alliance since 2021. Through these kinds of initiatives, we can break down some of the barriers to working in industries like motorsport and help support talented individuals through their journey. We want to set the benchmark for diversity and inclusion in sport and programmes like this helps us to ensure that everyone, irrespective of background, understands that they can have equal access to opportunities.” 

What can the Bursary fund?  

  • Training courses (including driving lessons)  
  • Equipment or software purchase (at an appropriate specification for your career stage)   
  • Equipment or venue hire  
  • Relocation costs (e.g. deposit or rent support)  
  • Contribution to living costs whilst working or training (e.g. travel and accommodation)  
  • Disability access support  
  • Care costs  
  • Bespoke coaching or mentoring  

  

Unfortunately, we cannot fund: academic courses, debts, costs that should be paid for by an employer, expenses for activities that have already occurred.  

How much money can I access?  

The maximum amount you can apply for is £1,000 and you must provide evidence about your costs (e.g. if you’re applying for equipment, you must specify the exact make and model required and be able to justify why it’s appropriate for your needs).  

We can only consider one application per person. If you’re applying for several related costs, you should make one Bursary application and itemise the different elements, including the grand total.    

What do I need to apply?  

An aspiration to work in or to develop your career in the creative economy. This encompasses any role in the creative industries, or creative roles in other sectors (e.g. design, marketing, branding). Industries include:  

  • Architecture  
  • Art  
  • Book, newspaper and magazine publishing  
  • Campaigning, government and policy  
  • Fashion  
  • Film, TV, radio and audio production  
  • Museums, galleries and libraries  
  • Music, theatre, dance and visual arts  
  • PR, marketing and advertising  
  • Product design & graphic design  
  • Talent management  
  • Technology and gaming  
  • A clear idea of what you would spend the Bursary on and the ability to demonstrate how it would contribute to your career development  
  • Evidence of your expected cost(s) e.g. website link(s), itemised breakdown of costs