In 2009 the UK government devised the Future Jobs Fund with the aim to create 170,000 new jobs, primarily for 18-24 year olds who had been out for work for almost a year. This age group had been hit hard by recession unemployment rates, and the Department of Work and Pensions stated that from early 2010, those aged eighteen to twenty-four who have been looking for work for a year will get an offer of a job, work experience, or training lasting for at least six months.
One organisation who won a bid to receive funding in this initiative was the Cultural Quarter Programme, whose proposal was to create job placements within the Arts Sector. The Cultural Quarter Programme, led by the Royal Opera House is a group of ten arts and cultural organisations which are based in London. The partnership includes the Design Council, English National Opera, Institute of Contemporary Arts, the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A museum.
The funding which these institutions have obtained from the Future Jobs fund will create much needed jobs across these organisations in various departments and filling a number of roles including event management, marketing, backstage support, fundraising, box office, administration, audience development and visitor services.
The director of personnel at the Royal Opera House said “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people who have been unemployed long term to gain valuable work experience within the creative and cultural sector.” The funding injected into these organisations gives young people the chance to work with world class opera productions, ballet performances, art installations and photography exhibitions in the country’s capital.
If the positions do not lead to permanent roles within the instituions, they will provide the young people with valuable work experience which will help them in their future career. The programme offered by the Royal Opera House and their partners offers insight into the creative and cultural world, and equips the participants with knowledge and skills which can lead to a successful career in the arts sector. The programme includes time allowed for the participants to attend college and study an NVQ qualification relevant to their placement, and all participants are mentored and attend master classes with key staff members.
This kind of programme can open new eyes to the creative industry surrounding photography, art exhibitions, opera, and other performing arts and is an inspiration for other sectors also. It is a good way to get the younger workforce interested in working in your company’s sector and equipping them with the skills to succeed, helping the industry in return.
Author Resource:-
The author is working for a well established London Opera and ballet venue, and has a thorough knowledge of the Opera performance industry.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.thearticledirectory.org/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
