Jerwood Gallery

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Culture Minister Margaret Hodge have announced a two-year grants programme to provide at least 40 internships with established arts companies for graduates from deprived backgrounds.  The initial £600,000 programme will begin in September and be managed by the Jerwood Foundation.

The pilot scheme announced today will make it easier for talented creative young people, with an arts degree, to find jobs in a market where unpaid internships are common, and those from low income backgrounds are often at a disadvantage.

Speaking in Downing Street at an event to mark the 5^th anniversary of Billy Elliot the musical, a story which celebrates a young boy realising his dreams, the Prime Minister said: “We are rightly proud of the huge amount of talent and creativity that exists in the arts in the UK.

“This funding will help give some of our gifted young artists the extra support and valuable experience they need to get a foot in the door of our creative industries and help them on their way to realising their full potential. It is a vital boost for some of our great future actors, artists and musicians who may otherwise have slipped through the net.”

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said:
“There is no shortage of cultural and creative talent in this country.  But breaking into the business, and turning talent into a job or career can be really difficult unless you come from a well-off or well-connected background.  This pilot scheme aims to help create a level playing field of opportunity so that real talent in the arts can get through, regardless of economic barriers.  It further demonstrates how the Government has nurtured creativity, ensuring that the past ten years have been a golden age for the arts.”

Chairman of the Jerwood Foundation, Alan Grieve said:
“We have given strong support to young people in the performing and visual arts for some 20 years and opened doors to a wide range of careers. The DCMS Jerwood Creative Bursaries will give more opportunity and an entrance to the arts for committed arts graduates.”

DCMS
Press enquiries: 020 7211 6272
Out of hours telephone pager: 07699 751153
Public enquiries: 020 7211 6200
www.culture.gov.uk

Jerwood Foundation
Alan Grieve, Director and Chairman of Jerwood : 020 7388 6287
Kate Danielson, Director of DCMS Jerwood Creative Bursaries Scheme: jerwood@katedanielson.co.uk
Read more about DCMS Jerwood Creative Bursaries Scheme