Arts Emergency is an award-winning mentoring charity and support network. We work long term with young people in London, Brighton, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

A young person with glasses laughs with someone whose back is turned to the camera

What we believe

“We believe passionately that those with the most potential are often the least able to pay for education, the least able to pull favours or access helpful networks, to work for free, or find shortcuts into paid creative and cultural work.”
Josie Long, Co-Founder

Our Vision

Josie Long stands on stage with her arms outstretched, in one hand she holds a notebook. In the background the words ‘Arts Emergency’ are projected.

What we do

Arts Emergency helps young people flourish in higher education and the cultural industries.

Find out More

A mostly yellow illustration of two people admiring some graphic design.

223

creative and cultural opportunities shared in 2021

3,084

mentoring sessions

82%

of mentees expanded their network

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Arts Emergency welcomes new Trustees!

We're excited to welcome four new trustees, including broadcaster, producer, and columnist Jasmine Dotiwala, and The Sutton Trust's Director of Innovation Binda Patel.

News 11.01.23

The Arts Emergency Manifesto. There are things that are bigger and better than money. We have things that those in power will never understand. We take it as a given that a civilised society values education, lifelong learning and creativity as a public good. We are a social justice not social mobility organisation. Arts Emergency is no substitute for justice withheld. Be fearless. You are just as entitled as anyone to have the life you want. There is no recession of the imagination. The future is another place. Allow yourself to believe a better life is possible. Say it loud, defiantly, to everyone. Be generous. Now be more generous. Share your privilege. Do something. Start small, start local, keep going. Optimism is a weapon and if all else fails be silly.

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Optimism is our Weapon

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, our ‘Optimism is our Weapon’ appeal raised over £20k!

Campaigns 10.01.23

A photo of Korean fashion at the A Korean Wave exhibition at the V&A

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Ruby Ticket Reviews: Hallyu! The Korean Wave

In November the V&A kindly gave our Young Talent tickets to Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibition. Ruby Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews 15.12.22

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