About Arts emergency
Arts Emergency: Empowering Young People in the Arts and Humanities
Arts Emergency is a non-profit organization that aims to provide young people with a fair start in the arts and humanities. The organization was founded in 2011 by Neil Griffiths and Josie Long, who recognized the need for more diversity and inclusivity in these fields. Since then, Arts Emergency has grown into a nationwide network of volunteers, mentors, and supporters who are passionate about empowering young people from all backgrounds.
At its core, Arts Emergency believes that everyone should have access to education and opportunities regardless of their socio-economic background or ethnicity. Unfortunately, this is not always the case when it comes to the arts and humanities. Many young people face barriers such as lack of funding, limited resources at school or college, or simply not knowing where to start.
This is where Arts Emergency steps in. The organization offers a range of services designed to support young people on their journey towards pursuing careers in the arts and humanities. These include:
Mentoring: Arts Emergency matches young people with mentors who work in their chosen field. Mentors provide guidance on everything from writing applications to networking opportunities.
Workshops: Arts Emergency hosts workshops on topics such as creative writing, filmmaking, photography, theatre production – anything that can help young people develop their skills.
Funding: Through its Hardship Fund program, Arts Emergency provides financial assistance for things like course fees or equipment costs.
Networking events: The organization hosts regular events where young people can meet industry professionals and make connections that could lead to future opportunities.
In addition to these services for individuals, Arts Emergency also works with schools and colleges across the UK to promote diversity within the curriculum. This includes advocating for more representation of underrepresented groups (such as women or ethnic minorities) within literature or art history courses.
One thing that sets Arts Emergency apart from other organizations is its commitment to intersectionality – recognizing that different forms of oppression (such as racism, sexism, or homophobia) can intersect and compound each other. This means that Arts Emergency is dedicated to supporting young people from all backgrounds, including those who may face multiple barriers.
Overall, Arts Emergency is a vital organization for anyone who believes in the power of the arts and humanities to transform lives. By providing support and opportunities for young people who might otherwise be excluded from these fields, Arts Emergency is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive cultural landscape.