Groundbreaking Report Proposes Major Reforms to Boost Working-Class Presence in Arts
A significant inquiry into class representation within creative industries has put forward a series of pioneering recommendations designed to dismantle barriers and foster greater inclusion across Greater Manchester. The Class Ceiling report, which was formally announced on 26 September, aims to serve as a comprehensive "blueprint for change" for the entire nation.
Leadership and Regional Context
The report was co-led by two prominent figures: Nazir Afzal, the chancellor of the University of Manchester, and Avis Gilmore, the former deputy general secretary of the National Education Union. Their collaboration underscores the critical need to address long-standing disparities in the north-west region.
Despite the area being a wellspring of working-class talent across various creative fields, there persists a profound sense of exclusion. This sentiment was powerfully articulated by Salford-born actor Christopher Eccleston, who remarked in 2023 that growing up in the north-west often meant feeling that culture and the arts were not accessible to those from council estates.
Core Recommendations for Systemic Change
The report outlines a total of 21 specific recommendations, with several key proposals standing out as particularly transformative:
- Protected Characteristic for Class: One of the leading recommendations is to grant class the same legal protections as characteristics like race, sex, and religion. Nazir Afzal argues that Greater Manchester has a history of pioneering such progressive measures and should lead the way once again. He drew a parallel to the groundbreaking hate crime protection extended to alternative subcultures following the murder of Sophie Lancaster, a move initially championed by Greater Manchester Police.
- Expansion of Arts Apprenticeships: The report highlights a severe shortage of apprenticeship opportunities within the creative sector, where they account for a mere 0.5% of new apprenticeships. A striking example cited is the Co-op's initiative last year, which offered five apprenticeships at the Co-op Live arena and received an overwhelming 2,304 applications. In response, Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at the Co-op, announced a major regional drive. The Manchester-based group aims to rally large employers to share unspent apprenticeship levy funds, with a goal of raising £3 million over three years to support 200 new arts apprenticeships across Greater Manchester.
- Additional Structural Reforms: Other significant recommendations include the creation of a "Class Champion" role, to be appointed by the mayor, to advocate on class-related issues; mandating that all sector roles be advertised publicly to combat cronyism; and increasing artistic and creative programmes in schools to ensure consistent exposure and academic pathways in the arts for young people throughout their education.
A Call for Bold Action and National Impact
The Class Ceiling report positions Greater Manchester as a potential trailblazer in addressing deep-seated class inequalities within the cultural sphere. By proposing to treat class as a core inclusion issue and creating tangible entry routes like apprenticeships, the report's authors believe the region can set a powerful precedent. The ultimate vision is to build a more equitable and representative arts sector that unlocks the full creative potential of individuals from all backgrounds, with the hope that successful models implemented locally could be adopted throughout the United Kingdom.
