What is the Wish List?
We have an amazing support network made up of over 7,000 creative and cultural professionals who our young people can access via the Wish List. The Wish List is managed by the Arts Emergency Community team who process requests once a month.
Through the Young Community Wish List, Young Community members can make requests for 1-2-1 advice sessions with an industry professional who can provide provide help on areas such as:
Career development
Academic pathways
UCAS applications
Creative projects
Campaigns
Auditions
Portfolios
Please note, the Wish List can not be used to make requests for work experience or for Network volunteers to provide ongoing services such as tutoring or mentoring. However, you can keep in touch with the Network member if they offer to provide you with further support. If you would like to request work experience, please complete the Work Placement Interest form.
What are some examples of Wish List requests that people have submitted in the past?
Some of our previous Wish List requests have included:
to talk to a self taught musician
to meet someone who studied English and Creative Writing at university
someone to look over their UCAS personal statement
discussion/ advice about a career in publishing
a conversation with an animator working in the film industry
to speak with a TV commissioner
Please note that you cannot make a request to speak to a specific person.
How do I make a request?
Young Community members can make a request for advice via the Young Community Wish List. Please note that the Community Team can only process one request per young person a month.
What happens after I submit a request?
Every month, the Arts Emergency Community team selects up to 12 requests to add to the Wish List. If your request is selected you will receive an email
During the first week of every month the Arts Emergency Community team emails a new Wish List to our Network members who respond with offers of help
If we get responses to a request, we send them to you so you can confirm which one you would like to follow up with
Arts Emergency will then contact the Network member and connect you both via email
After being connected, you will be responsible for arranging the date and time of the meeting. The Arts Emergency Community team is not able to coordinate meeting logistics on your behalf
How do I prepare for a meeting?
Make a plan for your meeting and write questions down so you can refer to them during the conversation. Make sure you're somewhere quiet if possible. Remember you don't need to impress anyone, just be yourself and chat as you normally would!
What happens after the meeting?
A few weeks after you have been connected with a network member, you will receive an email by the Community team with a link to a page where you can submit a progress report. We use these reports to ensure we’re offering you the best support possible. You will have to send us a progress report before you can make any new Wish List requests.
What if I changed my mind about meeting the network member after I have been connected?
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous but never leave the other person hanging! If you have changed your mind, send an email like this:
"Thank you for connecting with me. I have been exploring my options and have decided I am more interested in ___ but thank you so much for your time"
Is there a limit to the number of requests I can make?
Due to the high amount of requests that we receive, there is a limit of one request per month per young person. Please also note that if you do not make a request one month, you cannot make multiple requests the next month.
How long does it take for a request to get fulfilled?
We send Wish Lists out to the Network at the beginning of every month so it usually takes us at least one month to sort out your request. Requests may be delayed if you have not submitted an outstanding progress report or Ruby Ticket review.
What if I have a concern about the behaviour of a network member?
If you are concerned about the behaviour of a network member that you have been connected with please contact our Safeguarding Officer Carys by completing the safeguarding form.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any questions about the Wish List please feel free to send the Community team an email.