Initiative Promotes Arts Careers in Hull and East Yorkshire

The arts sector is essential to the economy of Hull and East Yorkshire, contributing more than £35 million each year, according to the organizers of a program designed to encourage young people to consider careers in the arts. Over 300 young individuals are scheduled to attend workshops and receive information from professionals regarding entry routes into the industry during a careers week, which is set to begin on Monday. HEY Creative is managing the event as part of a government initiative aimed at providing an understanding of employment opportunities within the arts sector. The organization indicated that its purpose was to show young people that pursuing studies in the arts could lead to employment and a good salary. Max May, from the organization, stated that the sector needs to engage young people with the concept of an arts career. He noted a decline in pupils taking art subjects at GCSE’s and mentioned that young people wanted to know if studying arts subjects would help them achieve a secure future. May remarked, “There’s a really strong pedigree of children, young people in the region going on to great things. We just need to make sure they know about it.” He also confirmed that they would be delivering events at schools across the area. Beckie Hart, the chair of Hull Truck Theatre, commented that by supporting young people to explore creative careers, “we’re nurturing our future generation of artists”. Mr. May added, “There are ample opportunities for young people in the region to have huge success, but we need to be championing that more.”