Future Proof 2023-24

A Vibrant Future for the Arts 
Seven aspiring young arts professionals take their first steps towards creative careers.

A&B Cymru is delighted to announce the participants of Future Proof 2023/24. This innovative initiative gives an inclusive new generation of arts professionals a structured opportunity to begin a successful career in the creative sector. By working to remove barriers, A&B Cymru aims to help establish a truly diverse arts workforce.

Funded by the Arts Council of Wales Lottery and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Future Proof combines two far-reaching initiatives – the Creative Internships Programme and the Creative Apprenticeships Programme.

The Creative Internships Programme enables recent graduates to work as trainee fundraisers in arts organisations on 10-month, paid placements. Given the ongoing financial challenges of the current climate, it is more important than ever that the sector has the ability to attract income from a variety of sources. Since its inception in 2013, the programme has enabled 33 professional fundraisers to enter the arts workforce. Between them, they have so far raised over £4.5 million for the sector in Wales.

Three new dedicated and highly motivated individuals will begin their Creative Internships on 2 October, working with Hijinx, National Youth Arts Wales and SPAN Arts.

Launched in 2022, the Creative Apprenticeships Programme aims to bring about a step-change in the range and quality of opportunities to access a career in the arts. It provides opportunities for those who face significant barriers as a result of race, disability or socio-economic circumstances, placing them into arts organisations for 10-months as paid trainees in a range of creative disciplines.

On 2 October, four new ambitious Apprentices will begin their creative journeys, working with Anthem Music Fund Wales, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Theatr Iolo and Urban Circle.

 Rachel Jones, A&B Cymru’s Chief Executive said: We are delighted to be embarking on Future Proof 2023/24. The impact of the Creative Internships Programme on the arts in Wales is evident and it is truly inspiring to see the Alumni from the past 10 years flourish in their careers as fundraisers. Through the newly established Creative Apprenticeships Programme, we hope to offer exciting alternative futures for individuals from all backgrounds. It is a real privilege to witness such talented young people take the first steps in their creative careers while playing our part in creating a robust and healthy arts sector.  

Click here for more information about each placement.