A recent inquiry into class representation within the creative sectors of Greater Manchester has put forth ambitious recommendations aimed at enhancing the visibility and opportunities for working-class individuals in the arts. The Class Ceiling report, co-led by Nazir Afzal, Chancellor of the University of Manchester, and Avis Gilmore, former deputy general secretary of the National Education Union, was unveiled on 26 September. It presents a comprehensive “blueprint for change” designed to dismantle the barriers that have historically limited working-class participation in the arts.
Class Representation: A Persistent Challenge
Despite the rich tapestry of talent emerging from working-class backgrounds, the representation of these individuals in creative fields remains alarmingly low. As Salford-born actor Christopher Eccleston poignantly remarked in a 2023 interview, growing up in the north-west often leads young people to feel that the arts are inaccessible to them. He noted, “If you grow up in the north-west, you don’t feel culture and the arts belong to you. You don’t believe if you come from a council estate you can be an actor, a poet or a painter.”
The report outlines 21 targeted recommendations aimed at addressing these disparities. Among the most significant proposals is the recommendation that class be recognised as a protected characteristic, akin to race, gender, and religion. Afzal argues that Greater Manchester has a precedent for pioneering such changes, recalling how police forces in the region were the first to implement hate crime protections for individuals from alternative subcultures following the tragic murder of Sophie Lancaster. He asserts, “We need to be equally bold. Because we are not going to break down barriers that are crushing creativity until we build an arts sector that treats class as a core inclusion issue.”
Addressing the Apprenticeship Gap
A critical element identified in the report is the glaring lack of apprenticeships available within the creative industries, which currently account for only 0.5% of new apprenticeship opportunities. This presents a significant hurdle for working-class individuals aspiring to enter the field. When the Co-op recently offered five apprenticeships at their new indoor arena, Co-op Live, they received a staggering 2,304 applications—equating to 460 applicants for each position.
Claire Costello, the Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op, expressed the organisation’s commitment to facilitating greater access to creative careers for young people in the region. “Our Co-op believes everyone, whatever their background, should be able to access opportunities in the arts and creative sector throughout Greater Manchester,” she stated. To this end, the Co-op is spearheading an initiative to encourage large employers to allocate unspent apprenticeship levy funds, aiming to raise £3 million over three years to support the creation of 200 new apprenticeships in the arts.
Strategic Recommendations for Change
In addition to advocating for protected status for class, the report suggests several other measures to enhance working-class representation in the arts:
– **Appointment of a Class Champion**: This role would be established within the mayor’s office to ensure that class issues are consistently addressed and represented.
– **Mandatory Public Advertising of Positions**: To combat cronyism within the sector, it would be mandatory for all creative roles to be publicly advertised, thus broadening the pool of candidates.
– **Increased Artistic Programmes in Schools**: To foster early engagement with the arts, the report recommends expanding artistic and creative programmes in schools, ensuring that young people are consistently exposed to and encouraged to pursue the arts academically.
Why it Matters
The findings of the Class Ceiling report underscore a pressing need for systemic change within the arts sector. By advocating for class to be recognised as a protected characteristic and proposing strategic measures to enhance access to creative careers, the report not only highlights existing inequalities but also offers a pathway toward a more inclusive future. Ensuring that working-class voices are heard and represented in the arts is not merely an issue of fairness; it is vital for the richness and diversity of cultural expression in society. As Greater Manchester strives to lead by example, the proposed changes could herald a transformative shift that resonates far beyond the region, inspiring similar initiatives across the UK.
