An inquiry into class representation in the arts has released a report recommending significant changes aimed at increasing working-class involvement in creative fields within Greater Manchester. The report, titled Class Ceiling, was led by Nazir Afzal, Chancellor of the University of Manchester, and Avis Gilmore, former Deputy General Secretary of the National Education Union. Released on September 26, 2023, it provides a comprehensive “blueprint for change” intended to address the barriers hindering working-class individuals from entering the arts sector.
The report identifies a long-standing issue in the region, despite the presence of numerous talented individuals from working-class backgrounds. Actor Christopher Eccleston highlighted this challenge in a recent interview, stating, “If you grow up in the north-west, you don’t feel culture and the arts belong to you. You don’t believe if you come from a council estate you can be an actor, a poet or a painter.”
Key Recommendations for Change
Among the 21 recommendations outlined in the report, one notable proposal is to classify class as a protected characteristic, similar to race, sex, and religion. Afzal emphasized the importance of this change, drawing parallels to the region’s history of progressive responses to social issues. He recalled how Greater Manchester police introduced hate crime protections for individuals from alternative subcultures following the tragic murder of Sophie Lancaster. “We are not going to break down barriers that are crushing creativity until we build an arts sector that treats class as a core inclusion issue,” he stated.
The report also highlights the alarming lack of apprenticeships available to working-class creatives, with only 0.5% of new apprenticeships in the creative sector. The Co-op’s recent initiative to offer five apprenticeships at Co-op Live attracted an overwhelming response, receiving 2,304 applications, averaging 460 applications per position.
Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op, expressed the organisation’s commitment to expanding opportunities in the arts for young people throughout Greater Manchester. “Our Co-op believes everyone, whatever their background, should be able to access opportunities in the arts and creative sector,” she stated. As part of its initiative, Co-op aims to raise £3 million over three years to support 200 new apprenticeships in the arts sector by encouraging local employers to share unspent apprenticeship levy funds.
Future Directions for Arts Inclusion
Additional recommendations from the Class Ceiling report include the establishment of a “Class Champion” role, appointed by the mayor, to advocate for class issues. The report also calls for making it mandatory for all creative roles to be publicly advertised to combat cronyism and to increase the number of artistic programmes in schools. This approach aims to ensure that young people have consistent exposure to the arts and the ability to pursue creative fields academically throughout their education.
The findings of this report are expected to resonate beyond Greater Manchester, potentially influencing arts policy across the country. By addressing the systemic barriers faced by working-class individuals in the creative sector, the Class Ceiling report aims to foster a more inclusive and diverse arts landscape.
