Future Proof 2024/25
Supporting a New Generation of Arts Professionals
Funded by Arts Council of Wales Lottery
A&B Cymru is delighted to announce the continuation of Future Proof, an initiative which gives an inclusive new generation of arts managers an effective opportunity to begin a career in the creative sector.
Future Proof combines two innovative and far-reaching programmes – Creative Internships & Creative Apprenticeships.
The highly successful Creative Internships Programme, which places recent graduates into arts organisations as trainee fundraisers, will run for an 12th consecutive year from October 2024. To date, 34 graduates who have completed placements are now professional fundraisers and between them, they have raised over £5.78 million for the arts in Wales.
The second arm of Future Proof is the Creative Apprenticeships Programme, which was first launched in Autumn 2022. It aims to give individuals aged 18+, high quality opportunities to access a career in the arts. Designed for those who face significant barriers, Creative Apprenticeships will engage individuals from Black, Asian and Ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who are Disabled, D/deaf and / or neurodiverse and those who are experiencing socio-economic difficulties. In a 10-month placement with an arts organisation, each apprentice will be given a structured introduction to working in the sector. The type of placement offered will be tailored to the host organisation’s work.
Apply to be a Host Arts Organisation
A&B Cymru’s Arts Members are eligible to apply for one or both of the following programmes:
Creative Internships Programme
If your organisation employs at least one full-time experienced fundraiser, you are eligible to apply. Each intern will:
- undertake a 10-month, full-time, paid placement as a trainee fundraiser with an arts organisation.
- receive a pro-rata salary of £23,920. A&B Cymru will fund up to 75% of this cost. Host organisations are expected to pay the remaining amount, as well as National Insurance and any necessary pension contribution.
- receive mentoring from both a senior fundraiser and a business leader.
- have free of charge access to A&B Cymru training courses.
- be invited to A&B Cymru’s networking events, free of charge.
- receive direct events management experience by helping to deliver A&B Cymru events.
To apply to be a Creative Internship Host Organisation, click here.
Creative Apprenticeships Programme
If your organisation has the resources to support the professional development of an apprentice, you are eligible to apply. Each Apprentice will:
- undertake a 10-month, full or part-time, paid placement as a trainee with an arts organisation.
- receive a pro-rata salary of £17,000. A&B Cymru will fund up to 75% of this cost. Host organisations are expected to pay the remaining amount, as well as National Insurance and any necessary pension contribution.
- receive mentoring from a business leader.
- have free of charge access to A&B Cymru training courses.
- be invited to A&B Cymru’s networking events, free of charge.
To apply to be a Creative Apprenticeship Host Organisation, click here.
Apply to be a Creative Intern
Applications are invited from recent graduates of our partner universities* who wish to participate in the 2024-25 scheme. The Intern will:
- undertake a 10-month, full-time, paid placement as a trainee fundraiser with an arts organisation.
- receive a pro-rata Real Living Wage salary of £23,920.
- receive mentoring from both a senior fundraiser and a business leader.
- have free of charge access to A&B Cymru training courses.
- be invited to A&B Cymru’s networking events, free of charge.
- receive direct events management experience by helping to deliver A&B Cymru events.
Click here to download a Creative Internships Application Pack.
Apply to be a Creative Apprentice
Applications are currently being invited from individuals who face barriers as a result of race, disability or socio-economic circumstances and wish to participate in the 2024-25 scheme. Each Apprentice will:
- undertake a 10-month, full or part-time, paid placement as a trainee with an arts organisation.
- receive a pro-rata salary of £17,000.
- receive mentoring from a business leader.
- have free of charge access to A&B Cymru training courses.
- be invited to A&B Cymru’s networking events, free of charge.
Click here to download a Creative Apprenticeships Application Pack.
Timetable 2024
| Date | Activity |
| 28 June | Closing date for Host Arts Organisation applications |
| 5 July | Closing date for Intern & Apprentice applications |
| w/c 22 July | Interviews – shortlisted Interns & Apprentices |
| August | Match meetings – shortlisted candidates & potential arts organisations |
| September / October | Training & Induction – new Interns and Apprentices. Placements begin |
*Partner colleges and universities: Bangor University, Bridgend College, Cardiff & Vale College, Coleg Gwent, Coleg Menai, Coleg Sir Gâr, NPTC Group of Colleges, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, St David’s College, University of South Wales, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Future Proof is made possible thanks to the vital support of:
