Creative Access x McLaren Racing Career Development Bursary opens

The Creative Access x McLaren Racing Career Development Bursary has opened for its third year of applications as research shows how financial pressures are affecting those trying to work in publishing.  

Research conducted by Creative Access last month across 1,000 people working or wanting to work in the arts – including 390 in publishing – showed how financial pressures are increasing barriers to entering the trade.   

Around 85% of publishing respondents said financial barriers have prevented them from applying to a job while 59% in publishing believe financial barriers greatly impact their career progression.  

Additionally, more than a quarter (28%) of respondents in publishing have turned down or not applied for a job because the commute was too expensive.  

Creative Access, a social enterprise focused on progressive career development and support, said that the research reinforced the need for its Career Development Bursary, supported by long-standing partner McLaren Racing. The fund first launched back in 2021.

Bibi Hilton, c.e.o. at Creative Access, said: “We’re disappointed – but sadly unsurprised – to see the confirmation of what we see and hear all too often from our community: that financial barriers exclude those from historically minoritised communities from accessing roles and progressing in the creative industries.

"At Creative Access, our mission to break down these barriers, which is why we are proud to be able to continue to provide this bursary with our long-standing partners McLaren Racing to give funding to individuals from under-represented communities as they progress in their careers and help to shape the future of our industry." 

To apply for the 2023 bursary, individuals must be over the age of 18, eligible to work in the UK, identify as being from an underrepresented group in the creative industries and demonstrate financial need.

There is an information session on the bursary on 12th October and the closing date for applications is 8th November. 

For more information, visit the Creative Access website.