The Journey
In 2004, our Founder, Dr. Toni James, was one of the few state-educated teenagers to reach the instrumental finals of BBC Young Musician of the Year. Twelve years on, Sheku Kanneh-Mason made history as the first black musician to win the title. Yet, as reported in The Times, by 2024, not a single semi-finalist was state-educated. Recent data from The Guardian highlights a concerning shift: the presence of working-class artists has halved since the 1970s. While only 7% of the UK attends private schools, a disproportionate number of award winners across the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Mercury Prize come from these institutions. Faced with these statistics, we choose action over intimidation. We are dedicated to building a performing arts sector where talent, dedication and creativity are the true drivers of success, ensuring that opportunity is never limited by one’s background, wealth or social connections. Learn more about our mission and impact.
Credit @yoke creative
Overcoming Obstacles
What stands in the way of artistic progression? Young people from lower-income households and underrepresented communities often face significant hurdles:
• Limited access to specialist training
• Financial barriers to participation
• A lack of professional networks
• Geographic isolation from arts hubs
• Reduced awareness of career pathways
• Support needs and disabilities
• Significant caring responsibilities or being in care
• Diminished access to cultural experiences
How do we ensure that exceptional talent is not lost to these challenges? How do we ensure the cultural sector doesn't lose valuable voices, experiences and creative perspectives?
Discover how we work.
