Inclusion for Younger Colleagues: Opportunities for Change

A practical resource exploring how the arts sector can respond to the changing needs of younger colleagues. It brings together insights, provocations and suggestions from the sector’s Changemakers, offering a springboard for continued reflection and action.

This resource, made in collaboration with our Changemakers, captures key insights from sector-wide discussions focused on inclusion for young colleagues in the arts. As new generations transition into the industry from increasingly complex contexts, this guide explores three essential questions around inclusive recruitment, intergenerational support, and collaborative solutions for sector-wide challenges.

Responding to young people’s concerns about career viability, the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 era, and the increasing support needs of early-career professionals, this resource presents a clear framework for reflection and action. Each section outlines potential risks, opportunities, and practical solutions, as well as further provocations to inspire continued conversation.

Whether you’re an employer, manager, or colleague, this document offers both a record of key ideas shared among the sector’s Changemakers, and a starting point for meaningful progression. Designed to help organisations think critically and act collaboratively, it aims to spark inclusive practices that ensure young people can thrive in the cultural and creative industries, and organisations can feel the benefits.