Cultural “trailblazers” take up apprenticeship roles to drive development of Hull’s creative sector

Four young people from Hull have started careers in the creative sector as “trailblazers” of a pioneering programme designed to help shape the city’s future arts and culture workforce.

The quartet were selected by Generation Hull – the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP) – to work with creative organisations across the city.

They briefed an audience of employers, educators, policymakers, and partners who assembled at Hull New Theatre to celebrate the next generation of talent and the collaborative spirit driving Hull forward, and to demonstrate how the programme is having an impact already.

Lisa Wedgner, Programme Director, Generation Hull, said: “They are four trailblazers. There hasn’t been a programme like this in our area and possibly in the whole country.”

Molly Mortimer is an Apprentice Community Administrator with Middle Child Theatre Company. Dylan McHugh is a Freedom Festival Apprentice. Emily Barton has joined Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery as a Gallery Assistant Apprentice. Eli Robinson works with Louise at Back To Ours as a Project Assistant Apprentice. They are all being supported by Hull College and Lisa is impressed with the progress they have made only five weeks after starting their new roles.

Louise Yates, CEO and Artistic Director, Back To Ours, said: “What I was really struck by was how they are only a month in and they are talking about making work, showing great art and how it’s funded – all the fundamental things you would expect them to talk about.

“They also highlighted the amount of admin work that goes on behind the scenes and they still want to do it! You don’t often associate admin with cultural work but they are really getting to grips with what it is like working in an arts organisation.

“It’s not all glitz and glamour. Emily was talking about preparing the space for an exhibition, Eli about making costumes for an event, Molly about doing the admin for some auditions and Dylan talking about potential sponsors and what they can bring to the festival. They blew me away with how much they have soaked in during such a short space of time and I came away really uplifted and really excited about the journey they are taking.”

Leaders of the creative organisations said the programme will deliver benefits across the board.

Lindsey Alvis, CEO and Creative Director at Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery, said “Emily joined us four weeks ago and she has hit the ground running. I have no doubt that her 18 months with us will be transformational, not only providing a step-change for Emily in her career, but also bringing passion, joy and enthusiasm to our organisation. I can’t wait to see what we achieve together.”

Paul Smith, Artistic Director and Chief Executive at Middle Child Theatre, said: “Programmes like this are vital for Hull. It adds capacity to local organisations and supports the creative economy, giving young people meaningful opportunities to start careers in the creative industries without having to leave the city and at a time when we are seeing fewer young and working class people entering the industry.

“Molly has only been with us a few weeks and is already a vital part of the team – contributing to every aspect of the company and producing work at an incredibly high standard.”

The apprenticeships scheme is part of the Fight For Our Creative Futures programme launched by Generation Hull to provide young people across Hull with meaningful opportunities to gain the skills, experience, and confidence they need to thrive in today’s creative industries. 

It is backed by Arts Council England, Hull City Council and local businesses through the Esteem partnership, which includes construction companies Sewell Group, Geo Houlton, Hobson & Porter, Spencer Group and Robertsons.

Trish Dalby, Chair of Generation Hull, said: “It’s about celebrating our young people and showcasing what’s possible when different organisations from across our city come together to support the creative sector and recognise the vital role it plays in young people’s development – creativity is key in any industry, not just the arts.”

Gavin Barley, General Manager at Esteem, said: “Since Esteem began in March 2010 with the Building Schools for the Future programme, we’ve been passionate about putting something back into our local communities and engaging with organisations that create opportunities for the city’s young people. 

“Generation Hull are playing a vital role in shaping the city’s future creative workforce and we’re excited to bring in our partners to support this latest initiative.”