Nurturing the next generation of creative talent

Although the creative sector is booming and is a priority growth area for the government, its future security depends on the next generation of talent entering the workforce. Only that way can the UK reach its creative potential. 

It all starts in school. The recent Arts in Schools report highlighted the undeniable benefits of nurturing creativity in young people. And embedding careers advice for today’s jobs in our industry is vital. 

This will not only help cultivate the next generation of artists and performers but also equip young people with the essential creative skills increasingly sought in today’s ever-evolving job market. 

Creative thinking is consistently ranked among the most important attributes for the economy of the future, and let’s not forget that the creative sector accounts for 6% of the UK’s economy. 

Support offered the moment young people step through the doors

For young people, the cost-of-living crisis makes a career in the creative industries harder. A recent report by the RSA suggests that almost half of young people are in a financially precarious situation and have low confidence in their future, as a result of the current economic climate. 

At the Roundhouse, we are acutely aware of the financial barriers that young people face, even in accessing our own programmes. Whether it is the cost of childcare or travel, or finding a secure place to live, we have a number of ways of financially supporting those who use our spaces. And we have a core team of youth workers onsite who give support to young people as soon as they step through the door and listen to what they need.

For years, the Roundhouse has been working with young people, providing the space and opportunities for them to explore their creativity in the Roundhouse Studios. By providing access to high quality opportunities, we have supported some of the country’s rising talent. Those who have made a name for themselves, both in the UK and abroad include Little Simz, Jack Rooke and Daniel Kaluuya.

Roundhouse Works

In June, we’ll be throwing the doors open to Roundhouse Works, a new creative centre which will allow us to double the number of young people we work with each year from 7,500 to 15,000. This new building complements the work already taking place in the Roundhouse Studios and will be a dedicated space to support the professional development of young creatives. 

It will include three brand new rehearsal spaces, including a triple height space, perfect for circus and performance, and a state-of-the-art podcasting studio. It will also include an affordable workspace for freelancers and creative entrepreneurs. 

As we found in our Self-Made Sector report, young people often see freelancing and self-employment as another aspect of the creative industries that make it unstable. Through a programme of events, 1-to-1 mentoring, and networking, we hope to support creative entrepreneurs as they develop their businesses, surrounded by a like-minded creative community.

We count on your support

Roundhouse Works has been in the pipeline for years, and despite the challenges of the pandemic, we knew it had to become a reality. We don’t know what future challenges lie ahead but, as we approach the opening, we know this is absolutely the right time to be opening this space for creatives. Our supporters feel the same way. 

Remarkably, Roundhouse Works has been solely funded by private trusts, individuals and corporate donations with principal support from Inflexion Foundation, Simon Turner and the generous donation of the land from the Norman Trust. 

It is also supported by you. Every time you buy a ticket, you are investing in young creative talent. So next time you’re seeing your favourite band, or attending an incredible, diverse performance programme, look over to the building next to you because that’s where you’ll find the future of creativity.

Tina Ramdeem is Associate Director of Young People at Roundhouse.
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