The Mo Siewcharran Fund is delighted to announce the latest recipients of four new grant awards: writer-led theatre, Royal Court Theatre; youth-focused theatre, Boundless Theatre; Edinburgh-based network, trade and development body for the Scottish book publishing sector, Publishing Scotland; and The Association of Illustrators, the professional body for illustration in the UK and beyond.
In its eighth year, the Mo Siewcharran Fund continues to support a range of creative organisations driven by its mission to champion people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds pursuing careers in publishing, music and theatre.
Impact of the fund
Since launching in 2018, the Fund has supported 61 Black, Asian and ethnically diverse trainees to access roles in publishing, theatre and music across the UK. Each grant award contributes to the salary costs for a six-month traineeship and a full programme of support from Creative Access to ensure the trainee thrives in their new role.
The Fund’s impact can be seen clearly across the sector: two-thirds (65%) of the interns have gone on to secure a role post-traineeship, with 70% remaining in the creative industries, and three-quarters (75%) of line managers reported increased confidence working with colleagues from under-represented groups as a result of participating in the traineeship. Read our latest impact report for 2022 – 2025 here.
John Seaton, founder of the Mo Siewcharran Memorial Fund, commented on the most recent funding round:
“I am thrilled that the Mo Siewcharran Fund moves into its eighth year so confidently, in partnership with four exciting organisations, who, in their different ways, exemplify the values of diversity, equity and inclusion that underpin both the Fund, and the tireless work of Creative Access.”
Josie Dobrin OBE, executive chair, Creative Access, said:
“This was one of the toughest rounds yet, with an extremely high calibre of application from many wonderful organisations. It is gratifying to see how many creative businesses recognise the value of such a targeted programme but also demonstrates the urgent need for funding for smaller organisations to create internships themselves. As ever, it’s a joy to work with John on these awards and we have now placed over 60 trainees through the Awards. The vast majority of the interns have gone on to forge successful careers in the creative industries, which represents a fantastic legacy for Mo.”
The Royal Court is the leading force for championing and cultivating playwrights. It presents work across two theatre spaces in Sloane Square and beyond, to support writers and creatives at every stage. Will Young, executive director, said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded support from the Mo Siewcharran Fund towards a production trainee role next year. The award will directly support our shared goals to support a more diverse and inclusive future talent pipeline, and the successful candidate will have an enviable opportunity to learn from the Royal Court’s world-class production teams during our celebratory 70th Anniversary season. We can’t wait to start recruitment!”
Boundless Theatre makes space for young people aged 15–25 to create, connect, and lead the future of the arts. Adele Reeves de Melo, executive director and co-CEO at Croydon-based Boundless Theatre, said:
“Boundless Theatre is honoured to receive support from the Mo Siewcharran Fund. The fund’s commitment to opening doors in the arts is invaluable, and we’re proud that this traineeship will help a young person from an under-represented background build a meaningful career in our industry.”
Established in Edinburgh in 1974, Publishing Scotland is a membership body and charity that acts as the voice and networking for publishing companies, organisations and individuals in the industry. Publishing Scotland CEO, Shelia Pinder, said:
“I had such a positive experience working with Creative Access in the past that when joining Publishing Scotland I knew connecting with your work again could enrich our EDI commitment to the Scottish publishing sector. We are looking forward to supporting deserving talent gaining experience of and building networks in the creative industries in Scotland.”
The Association of Illustrators is a non-profit, professional body championing illustrators and the illustration industry within education, promotion and campaigning in the UK and beyond. Rachel Hill, chief executive, said:
“We are sincerely thankful to have been awarded a grant from the Mo Siewcharran Fund. With this support, we can offer a structured development opportunity to someone at the start of their career, while adding a fresh perspective that will enrich our team and outreach.”
The fund opens its next grant round
The Fund is once again open for other music, theatre or publishing organisations wishing to support internships for those from under-represented communities.
The deadline for the next round is midday Thursday 25 June 2026. Those interested in applying should download the application form here.
