Arts Emergency is an award-winning mentoring charity and support network. We work long-term with under-resourced young people in London, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

A young person with glasses laughs with someone whose back is turned to the camera

What we believe

“We believe passionately that those with the most potential are often the least able to pay for education, the least able to pull favours or access helpful networks, to work for free, or find shortcuts into paid creative and cultural work.”
Josie Long, Co-Founder

Our Vision

Josie Long stands on stage with her arms outstretched, in one hand she holds a notebook. In the background the words ‘Arts Emergency’ are projected.

What we do

Arts Emergency helps young people flourish in higher education and the cultural industries.

Find out More

A mostly yellow illustration of two people admiring some graphic design.

299

creative and cultural opportunities shared in 2022

3,234

mentoring sessions in 2022

93%

of mentees said they understood more about the world of work by the end of their mentoring year (2022)

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Still dreaming after a decade of cuts

Young Community member Shenice Friday reflects on the stubborn determination of young people to continue pursuing creative fulfilment even as their paths are made more precarious.

18.12.24

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Welcoming the New Youth Collective!

The 2024-25 Arts Emergency Youth Collective has been convened and already has big plans

News 08.11.24

A mixed race woman smiling whilst sitting on a green sofa

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Nina Robinson, Artist & Maker

We asked Nina Robinson about her her work as a freelance artist and maker, the challenges of running her own business and if she has any advice for people who would like to do something similar.

Interviews 01.11.24

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Want to help aspiring creatives?

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