Campaign to ‘demystify’ creative jobs for young people welcomed
Vibrant Shropshire: a Cultural Compact has welcomed the recent publication of a government report which shines a light on the barriers facing young people as they seek to embark on careers in the creative industries.
The findings reveal a concerning lack of information, understanding, and support for those wishing to enter sectors such as film, music, visual arts, advertising, and video games. Notably, nearly one in three young people aged 11–18 express an interest in pursuing creative careers, yet almost half are uncertain about the skills and qualifications required. The full report is available here
These national findings resonate strongly here in Shropshire, where vibrant local communities are brimming with creative potential, but young people often face additional hurdles due to rurality, limited access to cultural resources, and fewer visible pathways into creative professions. Too many talented individuals are held back by a lack of awareness, guidance, and real opportunities to develop and showcase their skills.
Over the last two years Vibrant Shropshire: a Cultural Compact has been able to address some of these issues by providing grant funding or commissioning community partners to develop and deliver training, coaching and mentoring opportunities for people interested in pursuing a career in the arts. This has been made possible thanks to funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund over the last two years.
Upstart Projects’ Shropshire Young Reviewers enabled 23 students to explore local arts venues, attend workshops, and develop critical reviewing skills. Participants met industry professionals, wrote reviews, and discovered creative career pathways, fostering greater engagement between young people, educational institutions, and the Shropshire cultural sector.
Shropshire Youth Theatre launched its first Youth Fringe festival, with young people leading the programming, performing, and hosting workshops. They also hosted a youth forum exploring youth participation in culture. Furthermore, the event gave participants the chance to perform in a professional theatre setting and connect with the wider community.
ShireFolk provided hands-on technical training in sound engineering and backstage roles for local Shropshire residents, especially those in rural areas. Trainees participated in structured sessions with industry professionals and gained real-world festival experience, building practical skills while opening pathways to future creative opportunities.
MediaActive Projects enabled participants aged 16+ to develop practical skills in filmmaking, animation, and exhibition design through hands-on masterclasses led by industry professionals. They learned storyboarding, camera work, editing, and curating, while producing original projects and linking to initiatives such as BFI Film Academy and EXCITE for further experience.
The Footprint Gallery in Jackfield delivered a training programme to develop artistic skills through group mentoring, sketchbook practice, and hands-on creation of a final artwork. Aspiring artistes gained experience in idea development, critical feedback, exhibition curation, and collaboration, all within a supportive creative community, culminating in a public exhibition and awards ceremony with professional input.
Moreover, of the forty-three projects that Vibrant Shropshire has supported, most offered volunteering opportunities, allowing people to support festivals, curate exhibitions, and assist backstage at performances. These roles were vital for project delivery and gave valuable insight into the cultural sector’s behind-the-scenes work.
Jeremy Blandford, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member for housing and leisure, said:
“Shropshire Council is proud to support Vibrant Shropshire’s efforts to open doors and inspire the next generation of creative professionals.”
Professor Paul Johnson, Chair of Vibrant Shropshire: a Cultural Compact, added:
“The government’s report reinforces what we see on the ground: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. By working together as a community, Shropshire can create the conditions for young people to imagine, pursue, and succeed in creative careers.”
Lou Johnson, Partnership Manager for the DWP, said:
“Young people across Shropshire are being encouraged to explore careers in the creative industries, with the aim of boosting skills, confidence, and job prospects in this growing sector. Creative careers are more than just jobs – they help build confidence, problem-solving skills, and resilience. By investing in our young talent, we’re not only shaping their futures but also strengthening our local economy.”
