London College Boosts Working-Class Talent in Creative Fields
A London college is actively working to level the playing field in the creative industries. Access Creative College in Tower Hamlets is providing young people from less privileged backgrounds with opportunities often dominated by middle-class peers.
Empowering Future Artists
Iquao Aluko, an 18-year-old vocal artistry student, emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in music: “We deserve to be heard in the industry and we should be deserving of having the chance to put our handprint on the history of music.”
“have amazing stories to tell”
She is set to perform at Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park and believes that people from working-class backgrounds “have amazing stories to tell.”
The college’s Whitechapel campus, opened in September 2023, reports that over half its students identify as belonging to ethnic minorities.
Addressing Inequality in the Arts
Research indicates significant disparities in access to creative careers. According to Arts Council England, only 9.7% of the arts and cultural sector workforce are from working class backgrounds, highlighting the need for initiatives promoting inclusivity (Arts Council England).
The British Sociological Association notes that individuals from professional families are four times more likely to enter creative fields than those from less privileged backgrounds. Similarly, The Sutton Trust found that top-selling musicians were six times more likely to have attended private schools.
Fostering a Creative Community
Leoni Ryan, an 18-year-old media student, values the collaborative environment at Access Creative College.
“You can make friends and in the future you can collaborate with each other,”
Ryan said. “I think that’s really special.”
Nathan Loughran, director of the London campus, describes their educational approach as unique and industry-focused, attracting students from diverse backgrounds within one of London’s most deprived areas.
“What we offer here is a very unique creative education experience,”
Loughran said. “The new facility is is not like a traditional school or college. It’s very much based on industry.”
Access Creative College helped Aluko secure a slot at Wireless music festival, demonstrating the real-world connections it cultivates.
By providing specialist facilities and fostering a supportive community, Access Creative College empowers students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their passions and contribute their unique stories to the world of music and beyond.
