‘Little Angel Theatre aims to tackle lack of diversity in puppetry with internship’ reports The Stage.

The Mo Siewcharran Fund has awarded its latest round of grants, with recipients including the Women’s Prize Trust and academic publisher The Association of Laboratory Medicine, as reported by The Bookseller. You can read it here.

The Mo Siewcharran Fund has awarded its latest round of grants; to book charity The Women’s Prize Trust, Edinburgh-based theatre and dance organisation Imaginate, non-profit member organisation the Association of Laboratory Medicine and puppet theatre Little Angel Theatre.  

In its sixth year, the Mo Siewcharran Fund continues to support a breadth of creative organisations within its mission to enable young people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds to break into publishing and theatre.  

The Fund was set up in memory of Nielsen Books’ former Director of Marketing and Communications, Mo Siewcharran by her husband, John Seaton; she was passionate about improving accessibility and representation in publishing and theatre. The Fund is administered by Creative Access – a leading social enterprise specialising in diversity and inclusion.  

Impact of the Fund 

Since the Fund started in 2018, it has supported over 45 Black, Asian and ethnically-diverse trainees in publishing, theatre and music across the UK.  

Its impact can be clearly seen across each sector: last year Creative Access found that two-thirds (63%) of interns supported by the Fund stayed on at their host organisation at the end of their traineeship, whilst 9 out of 10 (89%) trainees continued to work in the same sector.  

“Two highlights for me in the year are when the applicants for the Mo Siewcharran Fund are assessed. The successful companies this time bring to the fore publishing and theatre. They do so with panache and with a fierce sense of needing to bring about fairer and more representative workplaces. It will be a delight to work with them. It is a constant delight to work with Creative Access.” – John Seaton, Founder of the Mo Siewcharran Memorial Fund

The grants contribute to the salary of an intern for a six-month traineeship and a full programme of support from Creative Access to ensure the trainee thrives in their new role. 

Edinburgh-based recipient Imaginate is producer of the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival and Scotland’s national charity that presents, develops and celebrates inspiring theatre and dance performances for children and young people.

“We are absolutely delighted to have received this award from the Mo Siewcharran Fund that will enable us to work with a global majority Trainee on our Creative Encounters project.  The level of training and care offered to the Trainee through this Fund, and the cohort they will be part of, are fantastic.” – Fiona Ferguson, Creative Development Director, Imaginate

Recipient, The Women’s Prize Trust, has a mission is to enrich society by creating equitable opportunities for women in the world of books and beyond. It believes that books by women can change the world, and supports women writers at all stages of development, providing coaching and resources to unlock potential, boost confidence and increase skills.

“We value the full spectrum of talent, which applies to all of us who work in the world of books as well as writers and creatives. So we are thrilled to be awarded the funding to take on a trainee from an ethnically diverse background as they embark on their career. Thank you to the Mo Siewcharran Fund for the financial support and to Creative Access for their expertise and recruitment services; we know that we will be a stronger organisation benefiting from this grant and the role it enables.” – Claire Shanahan, Executive Director, Women’s Prize Trust

Recipient, Little Angel Theatre, uses puppetry to create and share inspiring stories; igniting the imaginations of the youngest minds. The theatre’s success has been built upon a spirit of artistic innovation and is committed to pushing the boundaries of what puppetry can be, whilst preserving its heritage.

“Having diverse puppet makers is important as it brings a variety of perspectives, cultural influences, and creative approaches to the field of puppet making; ultimately leading to a richer and more inclusive workforce that reflects the complexity and diversity of the real world. Funding to support our intern enables us to provide yet another diverse puppet maker with a year- long, on the job, hands on experience – enriching the cultural workforce.” – Samantha Lane, Artistic Director, Little Angel Theatre

The Fund was also granted to academic publishers, the Association of Laboratory Medicine, one of the world’s leading professional membership organisations dedicated to the practice and promotion of clinical science.

“We are delighted to receive the Mo Siewcharran grant from Creative Access, enabling us to bring a talented intern into the Association for Laboratory Medicine. They’ll get hands-on experience in publishing and communicating scientific content to our members. We are excited to support and mentor this emerging professional, thanks to Creative Access’s generous support.” – Victoria Logan, Chief Executive, Association of Laboratory Medicine

The Fund opens its next grant round 

The Fund is once again open for other theatre, publishing or music organisations wishing to support internships for those from under-represented communities.  

Those interested in applying should contact recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk. The deadline for the next round of applications is midday Thursday 28th November 2024. 

Georgia Luckhurst has reported on Creative Access’ latest Thrive findings for The Stage writing: “Theatre workers feel more optimistic about their careers than their counterparts in TV and film, a Creative Access report has claimed… But the findings, presented by diversity and inclusion social enterprise Creative Access, revealed an overall drop in optimism about career aspirations for individuals from under-represented groups.”

Read the article in full: Theatre workers ‘feel more hope about careers than screen employees’ – report

“New research from diversity & inclusion social enterprise Creative Access confirms a drop in optimism about career futures for individuals from under-represented groups in the creative industries”, Jon Creamer has reported for Televisual.

Read the article in full: Creative Access report: career optimism plunges

Marian McHugh has reported on Creative Access’ latest Thrive research showing the need to expand support beyond entry-level roles and the particularly low career optimism facing those working in the screen industry.

Read the article in full: Report shows employer diversity efforts at ‘critical juncture’

Ellie Calnan at Screen Daily has reported on findings from Creative Access’ latest Thrive research that TV & film workers is the lowest of all creative sectors. Only 32% of under-represented workers feel optimistic about their future according to Creative Access’s Thrive Report 2024. This is below the 46% average across the other creative sectors.

Read the article in full: Career optimism among under-represented UK film and TV workers at low ebb, survey finds

Creative Access announces results of annual survey charting business & career sentiment among diverse talent & employers regarding DE&I goals 

• Career optimism has shifted – majority now feeling pessimistic (was 1 in 2) 
• Disabled individuals’ optimism significantly lower than average (13%) 
• 2 in 3 employers admit to focusing DE&I efforts at entry-level despite need for mid to senior focus 
• 1 in 4 employees are provided with no wellbeing support at work 

New research from leading diversity & inclusion social enterprise Creative Access confirms a drop in optimism about career futures for individuals from under-represented groups in the creative industries, as well as a lack of robust DE&I reporting from employers and workplace wellbeing support. 

The Creative Access’ Thrive Report 2024 findings come after a turbulent year for the creative industries, including TV & film’s ‘work drought’ (Bectu 2024), uneven access to sector funding (Greater London Authority 2023) and continued high cost of living. The not-for-profit’s survey finds DE&I reporting standards are not being met, insufficient focus on mid and senior-level talent and stagnant DE&I spending are critical obstacles in the way of achieving higher career optimism and progression among individuals.  

In Creative Access’ 2023 Thrive report, four in five employers acknowledged the need for a shift in DE&I focus from entry-level to all stages, however this year, most employers (66%) admit to continuing to prioritise entry-level talent. 

This isn’t the only mark of a DE&I spending hold, as the survey finds: 

• Only one in three employers have increased DE&I spending over the last 12 months, a significant drop from 60% the previous year. 
• 41% of organisations demonstrate poor DE&I reporting practices 

This is mirrored in a lack of wellbeing and mental health support from employers, with the survey revealing one in four of respondents have no access to wellbeing support at work. Factors such as working hours (19%), team dynamics (19%), and lack of focus on wellbeing (15%) were the most commonly cited reasons for work negatively impacting mental health.  

Only half of employers (51%) reported an increase in representativeness of their workforce, a fall against last year (65%). This comes as a worrying amount (41%) of employers admit to having poor or non-existent DE&I reporting practices, and has resulted in a drop year-on-year in career optimism from (51% to 46% overall), with disabled individuals experiencing one of the lowest rates of career optimism (30%). Over a quarter of those from lower socio-economic backgrounds said finances were the greatest barrier to their career progression, (11% higher than the average). 

Freelancers, representing a third of the workforce, are facing acute challenges with 48% reporting a decrease in work volume this year. The precarious nature of freelance work, especially in the current economic climate, makes professionals from under-represented backgrounds particularly vulnerable (Creative Access Freelancers in the Creative Economy 2023).  

For individuals from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, there appears to be a career ceiling, citing the biggest barrier to progression as organisation structure (36%), whereas those who identify as disabled (26%) and from lower SES backgrounds (20%) ranked location as their greatest barrier to progression. 

The data highlights a crisis in the PR sector, where employees are the least impressed with their organisation’s DE&I progress (59%) and report the lowest levels of working in an inclusive and supportive environment (54% versus the average 64%). 

It’s in the TV and film industry, however, that optimism levels among individuals were reported to be the lowest; with only 32% of workers feeling optimistic about their future in the sector (versus the average 46%).  

Recipients of Creative Access’ services appear to be somewhat protected from the wider destabilising effects of industry-wide issues due to the support and opportunities that Creative Access provides. 61% of individuals in receipt of Creative Access services have reported achieving career progression in the last year, versus 37% of those not in receipt of services.  

Respondents from lower socio-economic (SES) backgrounds also reported a severe gap in access to contacts & networks to progress their career (56% in receipt of services versus 13% not in receipt of services). Meanwhile 82% of organisations attributed progress against their DE&I goals to working with Creative Access.

Read the report: Thrive 2024: Development in DE&I

Josie Dobrin, co-founder & executive chair, Creative Access: 

“The creative industries are at a critical juncture in their DE&I efforts. Despite intentions to expand support beyond entry-level roles, data tells a different story, leading to decreased career optimism, especially among individuals with disabilities and freelancers facing a shrinking market. 

To foster true inclusivity bold actions are needed at all talent stages, including tailored career development programs, mid-level positive action traineeships, and elevating under-represented mid and senior-level employees. 

The industry must shift from intentions to decisive action. By adopting comprehensive DE&I strategies, organisations can enhance career optimism and enrich the creative landscape. The time to act is now for a more vibrant and inclusive industry.” 

Arts Professional has reported that Creative Access has announced its new CEO, Mel Rodrigues in its ArtsPeople section.

Read: Creative Access appoints CEO

Advanced Television has reported Creative Access’ new CEO appointment, ex-Channel 4 diversity lead and founder of Gritty Talent, Mel Rodrigues.

Read: Creative Access appoints Rodrigues as CEO

Heather Fallon has covered news of Creative Access’ new CEO appointment, Mel Rodrigues, former Channel 4 diversity lead and founder of Gritty Talent.

Read: Former C4 diversity lead to run Creative Access

Creative Access has appointed ex-Channel 4 Diversity Lead and award-winning business leader and inclusion consultant, Mel Rodrigues, as its new Chief Executive.  

Rodrigues will take over the role in September from outgoing CEO, Bibi Hilton, who is returning to a role in the comms sector. She will report to Creative Access founder and Executive Chair, Josie Dobrin OBE, and work in close partnership with Becky Smith, recently promoted to the new role of Chief Culture & Operating Officer.  

After a 20-year career in the screen and digital sectors, in 2019 Rodrigues set up the highly successful Gritty Talent, a Bristol-based media-tech company, with the mission to connect the best, diverse creative talent with decision-makers in the industry. 

Prior to this, she worked in TV production with a range of network credits and leadership roles, including Creative Diversity Lead at Channel 4 and producer of the BBC Digital Cities initiative across the UK. 

Josie Dobrin OBE, Executive Chair of Creative Access said:

“We are delighted to have Mel join Creative Access as CEO and lead us into the next phase of our mission. With her deep expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion; in developing and supporting talent from historically under-represented groups and leadership roles in both commercial and not for profit environments, Mel brings a wealth of experience to Creative Access. Originally from the West Midlands and having been based in Bristol for many years, Mel also critically brings a non-London-centric perspective that will be invaluable as we focus on increasing our reach, impact and partnerships across the UK.”     

Mel Rodrigues added:

“I’m thrilled and really honoured to be taking up the CEO role at Creative Access. I’m a long-time fan of the important and in-depth work that Creative Access does to support creative talent and employers across the UK. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience, perspective and leadership to the Creative Access team, and to amplifying the mission to support people from all backgrounds to access exciting careers and thrive.”