UK Government raises curtain on £600,000 Creative Bursaries Scheme to help talented graduates find work in the arts

Speaking in Downing Street at an event to mark the 5th anniversary of Billy Elliot the musical, a story which celebrates a young boy realising his dreams, the Prime Minister said: We are rightly proud of the huge amount of talent and creativity that exists in the arts in the UK.

This funding will help give some of our gifted young artists the extra support and valuable experience they need to get a foot in the door of our creative industries and help them on their way to realising their full potential. It is a vital boost for some of our great future actors, artists and musicians who may otherwise have slipped through the net."

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said:

There is no shortage of cultural and creative talent in this country. But breaking into the business, and turning talent into a job or career can be really difficult unless you come from a well-off or well-connected background. This pilot scheme aims to help create a level playing field of opportunity so that real talent in the arts can get through, regardless of economic barriers. It further demonstrates how the Government has nurtured creativity, ensuring that the past ten years have been a golden age for the arts.

Chairman of the Jerwood Foundation, Alan Grieve said:

We have given strong support to young people in the performing and visual arts for some 20 years and opened doors to a wide range of careers. The DCMS Jerwood Creative Bursaries will give more opportunity and an entrance to the arts for committed arts graduates.

Stephen Daldry, Director, Billy Elliot The Musical said:

What a great moment for our Billy Elliots to have been invited to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister in a welcome break during rehearsals for our fifth birthday celebrations. Todays news, announcing the Governments new Creative Bursary Scheme managed by the Jerwood Foundation, is not only good news for young people who are interested in the arts, but also a fantastic opportunity for the industry to nurture the next generation of creative talent.