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Class Divide Crumbles in UK Arts
21 Feb
Summary
- Working Arts Club combats class disparity in UK's creative sector.
- The initiative offers free support to working-class individuals.
- Expansion planned for Manchester and other UK cities.
The Working Arts Club, established in London in 2024, is dedicated to dismantling the systemic class barriers prevalent in the UK's creative sector. Founder Meg Molloy highlights the urgent need for support, particularly outside London, where a "London-centric" industry creates significant financial and logistical hurdles for working-class aspirants.
With over 1,000 members in London, the club offers free access to career meetings, panel discussions, and exhibition tours. The initiative is set to expand across the UK, with a launch in Manchester on March 24, 2026, and subsequent outreach to other northern cities. This expansion aims to counteract the underrepresentation of lower socio-economic backgrounds in the arts, as recent statistics show 78% of creative industry employees identify from more advantaged backgrounds.
Collaborating with institutions like the V&A and Royal Academy, the club facilitates networking and shares job vacancies. Members, such as operations manager Amy Gilles, praise the club for making industry access more attainable, citing opportunities like free Frieze Art Fair tickets. The club is actively seeking funding to ensure its sustainability and continued growth.
