Jobs scheme leads to arts work

An evaluation of a work experience programme set up in 2009 by New Deal of the Mind to get young unemployed people into jobs in the creative industries, has found that almost three-quarters of unemployed people on the scheme went into jobs or education as a result of their work experience. The programme is estimated to have contributed three pounds to the economy for every pound invested by the taxpayer. Using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions Future Jobs Fund scheme, young people on Jobseeker’s Allowance were given six-month work placements with arts organisations and provided with training, coaching and networking opportunities. Participating employers included the Royal Opera House, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Theatre, Somerset House, Only Connect Theatre, Notting Hill Band Association and Royal Court Theatre. The evaluation found that 53% percent of participants were from ethnic minority backgrounds (compared to 4% of the creative workforce across the UK), and 90% would not have been able to participate if the placement had been unpaid.