How does coaching work?
The Arts Emergency coaching programme invites Young Community members to apply with a particular project / goal in mind. We match successful applicants with professionals working in creative industries who can coach you towards achieving your goals.
All of our coaching pairs are matched remotely. You meet by video call with your coach for an hour every week across the 12 weeks of the programme.
In your application, we ask you to outline a project / goal you want to work on in the 12-week programme. Before you apply, have a think about what this might be. For instance, is your goal something that will help you to…
improve your knowledge of routes into the cultural and creative industries?
you want to speak with specific arts professionals to help build your creative network
you are making a funding or project application and need help with the process
you want guidance on where to find the jobs you are interested in and how to apply for them
increase your experience and understanding of the cultural and creative industries?
you want targeted help on finding internships or work placements to gain experience
you want to visit specific venues / cultural spaces and speak with members of the staff team
you want a better understanding of roles in your area of interest to help you know what jobs you want to pursue
improve your confidence and understanding of how to articulate your talents and attributes?
you need help identifying what your strengths are and how you can use these to achieve your ambitions
you need guidance on how to pitch an idea or discuss your work in an interview / audition
you have lots of experience but need help building your CV or portfolio
Who can apply?
Our coaching programme supports Young Community members aged 18-25. Please note: that you can still apply you turn 26 during the coaching programme.
We try to work with young people who most need the support of an Arts Emergency coach, and therefore every coachee must meet at least one of the criteria below:
None of your parent(s) or carer(s) have ever studied at university in the UK or abroad
The postcode of the home address you spent the most time at between the ages of 0 and 18 indicates you have lived in an area of deprivation
You have at any point, been eligible for free school meals
You are currently in receipt of a 16-19 bursary
You would describe yourself as Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority background
You consider yourself to be disabled*
You consider yourself to have a learning disability or special education need*
* Under the Equality Act 2010, you are 'disabled' or 'learning disabled' if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
If you are not sure about your eligibility for the coaching programme and would like to talk to a member of the team please get in touch.
How do I apply?
Applications are currently closed.
Who are Arts Emergency coaches?
Arts Emergency coaches are a team of volunteers from a variety of professional backgrounds. They've all signed up because they are connected, kind and want to help you get ahead! They are trained in goal-setting, working with young people and understanding safety procedures.
Our coaches come from a range of industries, including established organisations such as ITV, Penguin Random House, gal-dem, UAL, Bennetts Associates, The WOW Foundation, and London College of Fashion.
What areas do Arts Emergency coaches specialise in?
Architecture - Fashion - Comedy - Journalism - Politics & Activism - Academia - Dance - Marketing - Acting - Music - English Literature/Languages - Interior Design - Museums - Publishing - Art & Design - Film & TV - Sociology - Art History - Games Design - Philosophy - Theatre - Music Tech - Classics - History - Photography - Writing … and more.
If you are unsure whether your interest falls under the arts or humanities, you can always email us at coaching@arts-emergency.org
How do you keep young people safe?
Coaches are trained by our team to work with young people and keep them safe.
Every coach is required to sign our code of conduct.
Arts Emergency will conduct reference checks for all coaches.
The Arts Emergency team checks in regularly with young people and volunteers.
What happens after coaching?
After your 12 weeks of coaching, Arts Emergency continues to offer you work experience, paid opportunities, trips, advice and industry connections until your 26th birthday. You can read about how this has helped people like Heather in the Our Stories section of our website.
Our Stories
"I really value being a member of the Youth Collective because it has connected me to a wider network of peers"
Freda, aged 21, from London, joined the Arts Emergency Youth Collective in 2022. As part of the Collective, Freda has been instrumental in formulating their manifesto, created graphics for the cohort and helped organise the Art World Is Our World festival.
Our Stories
"At the time of applying for a mentor I felt a bit lost with planning the future. Having a mentor [...] was brilliant!"
Talitha, now aged 19, from Manchester, was looking for a mentor who could offer insights into working in the theatre industry.
Our Stories
"[my mentor] gave me the extra confidence boost I needed to take the next step and apply to pursue music at university."
George, aged 17, from Liverpool, was at school studying for his A-levels when he applied for an Arts Emergency mentor to get advice on whether he should pursue his passion for music at university.