FutureProof 2024-25

Supporting a New Generation of Arts Professionals

A&B Cymru is delighted to announce the participants of Future Proof 2024-25. 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 for Wales.

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

The Creative Internships Programme places recent graduates into arts organisations as trainee fundraisers 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 42 professional fundraisers to enter the workforce. Between them, they have so far raised over £7.3 million for the arts in Wales.

Two dedicated and highly motivated individuals will undertake Creative Internships this October.   Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama graduate Heledd Holloway will work at Anthem Music Fund Wales and Bangor University graduate Karen Ankers will be placed at Canolfan Ucheldre Centre.

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.

This October, two Apprentices will begin their creative journeys – Adam Gibbs will work at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Tijesunimi (Teejay) Olakojo will be undertaking her placement with Theatr Iolo.

Rachel Jones, A&B Cymru’s Chief Executive said:

We are hugely excited to be embarking on Future Proof 2024/25.

The impact of the Creative Internships Programme on the arts in Wales is tangible and it is truly inspiring to see the Alumni from the past 11 years flourish in their fundraising careers. Although the Creative Apprenticeships Programme was only established two years ago, we have been delighted to witness the development of the talented young participants as they embark on their creative careers.

Through Future Proof, A&B Cymru is playing an important and unique part in creating a robust and healthy arts sector in Wales. We are extremely proud of the programme’s achievements to date.

With special thanks to our programme funder:

 

The Placements

Creative Internships Programme

Heledd Holloway & Anthem Music Fund Wales

         Heledd Holloway                Rebecca Hobbs

Heledd Holloway has an MA in Arts Management from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. She believes passionately that the arts should be accessible to all and this is a major motivation for pursuing a fundraising career. She is delighted to be placed at Anthem Music Fund Wales. The organisation gives young people far-reaching opportunities to engage with music in communities across Wales.

I’m thrilled to begin my Internship with Anthem through A&B Cymru this October and eager to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth. Heledd Holloway, Creative Intern

We’re delighted to be welcoming Heledd to the Anthem team. We benefitted from having Heledd with us on a brief placement in the Spring and could tell that she had an aptitude for fundraising. As a Creative Intern alumni, I know how valuable mentorship can be, and am looking forward to supporting Heledd’s professional development! Rebecca Hobbs, Fundraising Manager, Anthem Music Fund Wales

 

Karen Ankers & Canolfan Ucheldre Centre

          Karen Ankers                      Mike Gould

Karen Ankers holds a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing from Bangor University. She is driven by a passion to elevate Wales’ rich cultural heritage and is excited at the opportunity to pursue a career in arts fundraising. Karen has been placed at Canolfan Ucheldre Centre, one of the nation’s leading arts centres.

I’m really excited about starting this Internship, with the prospect of learning new skills and helping to fundraise for an arts centre that has been an important part of my life for a long time. Karen Ankers, Creative Intern

We are delighted to have been successful with our Creative Internship application. Over the next 10 months, Karen will helping us with our fundraising strategy, both for capital and revenue, to ensure Ucheldre is fit for purpose in the long-term. Mike Gould, General Manager, Canolfan Ucheldre Centre

 

Creative Apprenticeships Programme

Adam Gibbs & Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

           Adam Gibbs                      Hayley Miller

Hailing from North Wales, Adam has a passion for Events Management and the arts. He is thrilled to be undertaking his Apprenticeship at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, one of the world’s most inspiring cultural festivals. Adam will be deeply involved in the marketing, development, and execution of the event and is excited to be launching his career with such a dynamic and vibrant organisation.

I’m excited to elevate my career and take this new work opportunity to the next level. Adam Gibbs

We are so pleased to be welcoming Adam to the Eisteddfod team. We look forward to sharing our skills and experience, whilst also being open to his input and fresh ideas as we plan and develop Llangollen 2025. Hayley Miller, Operations Manager, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

 

Tijesunimi (Teejay) Olakojo & Theatr Iolo

Tijesunimi (Teejay) Olakojo     Michelle Perez

Originally from Nigeria, Teejay is a talented Drama graduate based in Cardiff. Her passion for directing and producing makes Theatr Iolo an ideal environment to enhance her skills and gain valuable experience. The company has been a leading force in creating theatre for children for over 25 years.

I am elated to have been chosen for the A&B Cymru Apprenticeships programme. I believe this opportunity will help me hone my skills, not just as a producer in theatre but also in the arts. Teejay Olakojo

The whole team is really excited to welcome Teejay to Theatr Iolo. We can’t wait to help her experience all areas of the organisation before she makes a decision about which direction she would like to go in order to help her future employment. Michelle Perez, Executive Director at Theatr Iolo