Overview of the issue

The sectors suffer from a lack of diversity. In many cases getting a job requires “knowing how to play the game” or simply having a contact who can give you a break.

For many, starting out in the creative and cultural industries involves a period of unpaid, or low paid work. This is often the case, even for graduates and post graduates. You are more likely to succeed in the sector if you can afford to not earn a wage for a period of time. This excludes large numbers from economically deprived and socially excluded backgrounds.

The sector is often compared unfavourably to other career based industries such as finance, medicine or law, which have clearer structures and a more accessible framework regarding occupational pathways. In this case, the assumption again, is that if a career in the creative and cultural industries is followed, it will not bring economic security.

Demand side evidence

• The industry is 95% white, this varies little across sector, nation and region.
• Starting salaries for many creative occupations are poor, and often follow years of HE training.
• There is a male majority in the sector. This is particularly prevalent among managerial positions.
• Many of the sectors have formal placement schemes, where unpaid or low paid work (for up to two years in some cases) is the norm.