
Future Proof
Supporting a New Generation of Arts Professionals
Creative Apprenticeships & Creative Internships Programmes
Funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council of Wales Lottery
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 began 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 began their creative journeys, working with Anthem Music Fund Wales, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Theatr Iolo and Urban Circle.
Further detail about the 2023-24 Internships and Apprenticeships can be found in the sections below.