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We are looking for our next cohort to take part in the Creative Industry Placements at Somerset House. As the home of cultural innovators, the Trust connects creativity and the arts with the broader society.
Somerset House pursues a ‘Step Inside, Think Outside’ spirit and is born from the creative community we nurture - the experience and perspectives we host across background, age, race, and stage, and the intersections and crossovers we encourage.
Now in its fifth year, the Upgrade Yourself: Creative Industry Placements programme is open for 5 underrepresented young people, ages 18 – 24, to be part of a paid 1-year placement specifically designed to develop, nurture and grow emerging talent. This one-year professional programme will give participants an insight into how a creative business is run, from day-to-day management through to programming and operations.
This application is for the two-phase (two x 6-months) placement for 4 participants within two arts organisations. Split over two 6-month phases participants will have hands on experience of working within two different arts organisations and have opportunities to connect with trailblazing creatives within Somerset House and our resident community.
In addition to being an employee within a creative team, time on the programme will be dedicated to in-depth wraparound training, off-site trips, workshops and mentoring to support your personal and professional development and to facilitate connection with other young professionals.
Who is the Creative Industry Placements opportunity for?
The Upgrade Yourself Creative Industry Placements programme is for people aged between 18-24 who identify as belonging to a community that is underrepresented within the cultural sector* and who are interested in learning about creative industries through an entry level role in the arts.
At Somerset House, we value talent, potential and willingness over experience. We are interested in your goals and how we can help you to achieve them. If you’re an ambitious young person looking to forge a career in the arts, this programme is designed for you!
The programme doesn’t require any pre-requisites, but an enthusiasm for the arts and willingness to learn is important. For example, you may have put on an event with your friends or community group, or run a workshop at college.
*The Inclusive Talent Engagement team at Somerset House acknowledges that particular people are underrepresented in the British creative sector. Particularly those who are:
- Ethnically diverse and/or Global majority
- Differently abled or Living with a disability
- Working class and/or from a lower socio-economic background*
- We also acknowledge the underrepresentation of those who self-identify as:
- LGBTQIA+ and/or non-binary
- Neuro-divergent
We also acknowledge that people face barriers in many ways not mentioned above, and we are open to hearing from anyone who considers themselves to be underrepresented in the creative sector.
*Some questions that might help define lower socio-economic background:
- Were you on free school meals?
- Did your parents receive income benefits for a long period?
- Did your parents go to university?
How does being a participant benefit you?
By taking part in the Upgrade Yourself Creative Industries Placements programme, you will be supported in developing a broad range of personal and professional skills including confidence in the workplace, administrative skills, working in a team, day-to-day office management and planning your next steps. As a participant, you will be able to contribute to the running of an arts organisation, bringing your own opinions and a fresh perspective. You’ll be paid the London Living Wage and have the opportunity to connect with other young people taking part in placement/internship programmes in other arts organisations.
The benefits of being a participant include pastoral care and professional support from Somerset House, mentoring and wrap around training. You will also receive all employee benefits from Somerset House trust. These include:
Discounts, offers and free stuff
- The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites
- Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
- Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants
- Discount to local leisure centres
Holiday
- Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Birthday leave - additional day leave on or within a week of your birthday
- Festive day - additional discretionary day off around the Christmas period
