Can you think of a student full of potential who needs support to break into the creative and cultural industries?
Arts Emergency partners with schools, colleges, and youth organisations in Greater Manchester, London and Merseyside to open doors for underrepresented young people with creative ambitions, by connecting them to each other and to a network of thousands of creative professionals.
We offer eligible students a year of 1:1 support from a trained, volunteer mentor - someone working in the creative or cultural industries. Our mentors provide information, advice and guidance, supporting young people’s next steps after school or college.
After completing a year of mentoring, mentees remain part of our Young Community where they can continue to access networking and development opportunities until their 26th birthday.
To partner with us on our 2027 mentoring programme you must submit a partner agreement by Friday 10 July 2026
For more information, please download our Partner Pack and visit our safeguarding page.
You can get in touch with us via: mentoring@arts-emergency.org
Our Stories
"I joined the AE Youth Collective in 2024 and it gave me real affirmation that what I believe in and the change I want to see is reflected by others"
Arisha, 27, started their Arts Emergency journey as a mentee in 2021 and has been involved in AE programmes ever since, including being a 2025 Youth Collective member.
Our Stories
"I feel more confident networking, and it’s allowed me to see that everyone is just on their own journey"
God’s Favour, 17, from London, is currently studying A-levels. She applied for an Arts Emergency mentor to get some advice about what steps to take after finishing college.
Our Stories
"I have all the passion [...] but I don’t have any connections in the industry"
Liverpool-based Andy was a 17-year-old Sixth Form student when they applied for a mentor to get advice about e a career in costume design.