Coaching FAQ

How does coaching work?

This is a pilot programme running in 2023 and therefore ONLY available to current members of our Young Community.

The Arts Emergency coaching programme invites you to apply with a particular project / goal in mind. We will match successful applicants with professionals working in creative industries who can coach you towards achieving your goals.

All of our coaching pairs will be matched remotely. You will meet by video call with your coach for an hour every week across the 10 weeks of the programme.

In your application, we will ask you to outline a project / goal you want to work on in the 10-week programme. Before you apply, have a think about what this might be. For instance, is your goal something that will help you to…

improve your knowledge of routes into the cultural and creative industries?

• you want to speak with specific arts professionals to help build your creative network

• you are making a funding or project application and need help with the process

• you want guidance on where to find the jobs you are interested in and how to apply for them

increase your experience and understanding of the cultural and creative industries?

• you want targeted help on finding internships or work placements to gain experience

• you want to visit specific venues / cultural spaces and speak with members of the staff team

• you want a better understanding of roles in your area of interest to help you know what jobs you want to pursue

improve your confidence and understanding of how to articulate your talents and attributes?

• you need help identifying what your strengths are and how you can use these to achieve your ambitions

• you need guidance on how to pitch an idea or discuss your work in an interview / audition

• you have lots of experience but need help building your CV or portfolio

Who can apply?

This is a pilot programme running in 2023 and therefore ONLY available to current members of our Young Community.

Our coaching programme supports young people aged 18-25. Please note: that you can still apply you turn 26 during the coaching programme.

We try to work with young people who most need the support of an Arts Emergency coach, and therefore every coachee must meet at least one of the criteria below:

• None of your parent(s) or carer(s) have ever studied at university in the UK or abroad

• The postcode of the home address you spent the most time at between the ages of 0 and 18 indicates you have lived in an area of deprivation

• You have at any point, been eligible for free school meals

• You are currently in receipt of a 16-19 bursary

• You would describe yourself as Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority background

• You consider yourself to be disabled*

• You consider yourself to have a learning disability or special education need*

* Under the Equality Act 2010, you are 'disabled' or 'learning disabled' if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

If you are not sure about your eligibility for the coaching programme and would like to talk to a member of the team please get in touch.

How do I apply?

Applications for Summer 2023 coaching are now open. This 10-week programme will run from 3 Jul - 8 Sep 2023. The deadline to apply is Fri 21 Apr.
Visit our Get a coach page for all details on how to apply.

Alternative ways to apply

If you find it difficult to communicate through writing, for example if you have dyslexia, you can also complete your application over the phone. Email coaching@arts-emergency.org to schedule this.

Do you have any advice for completing the online application?

You can read our advice on how to apply online here.

Who are Arts Emergency coaches?

Arts Emergency coaches are a team of volunteers from a variety of professional backgrounds. They've all signed up because they are connected, kind and want to help you get ahead! They are trained in goal-setting, working with young people and understanding safety procedures.

Our coaches come from a range of industries, including established organisations such as ITV, Penguin Random House, gal-dem, UAL, Bennetts Associates, The WOW Foundation, and London College of Fashion.

What areas do Arts Emergency coaches specialise in?

Architecture - Fashion - Comedy - Journalism - Politics & Activism - Academia - Dance - Marketing - Acting - Music - English Literature/Languages - Interior Design - Museums - Publishing - Art & Design - Film & TV - Sociology - Art History - Games Design - Philosophy - Theatre - Music Tech - Classics - History - Photography - Writing … and more.

If you are unsure whether your interest falls under the arts or humanities, you can always email us at coaching@arts-emergency.org

How do you keep young people safe?

• Coaches are trained by our team to work with young people and keep them safe.

• Every coach is required to sign our code of conduct and complete an enhanced DBS check.

• Arts Emergency will conduct reference checks for all coaches.

• The Arts Emergency team checks in regularly with young people and volunteers.

What happens after coaching?

After your 10 weeks of coaching, Arts Emergency will continue to offer you work experience, paid opportunities, trips, advice and industry connections until your 26th birthday. You can read about how this has helped people like Heather in the Our Stories section of our website.

Who should I contact if I have any questions?

Give us a call on 07808 644 750 or email coaching@arts-emergency.org