In a groundbreaking move, Greater Manchester has unveiled a comprehensive report aimed at tackling the underrepresentation of working-class individuals in the arts. The "Class Ceiling" report, led by University of Manchester Chancellor Nazir Afzal and former National Education Union Deputy General Secretary Avis Gilmore, presents a blueprint for change that seeks to address the systemic barriers hindering talented individuals from humble backgrounds from entering the creative industries.
Despite the existing wealth of talent in various fields hailing from the region, the north-west's arts sector has long struggled to attract working-class creatives. In fact, Salford-born actor Christopher Eccleston expressed his disillusionment with the notion that one's socioeconomic status determines their ability to excel in the arts. "If you grow up in the north-west, you don't feel culture and the arts belong to you," he said.
To rectify this situation, the report recommends making class a protected characteristic, similar to race, sex, and religion. Chancellor Afzal sees Greater Manchester as a model for such changes, citing its successful experience with hate crime protection in 2005 when Sophie Lancaster was killed. He believes that by treating class as a core inclusion issue, the region can break down barriers and create a more equitable arts sector.
Another pressing issue highlighted in the report is the scarcity of apprenticeships in the creative industries, which provide a vital entry point for working-class creatives. Currently, only 0.5% of new apprenticeships are allocated to the creative sector, with most applicants receiving few opportunities. In response, The Co-op has launched an ambitious apprenticeship drive, aiming to raise £3 million over three years to support 200 new apprenticeships in Greater Manchester's arts and creative sectors.
The report also proposes several other measures, including the creation of a "Class Champion" role, mandatory public advertising for all sector roles to combat cronyism, and an increase in artistic and creative programs in schools. By implementing these changes, the region hopes to foster a more inclusive and representative arts sector that truly reflects its diverse population.
As Greater Manchester takes steps towards addressing its class ceiling, it serves as a beacon of hope for other regions seeking to do the same. The report's recommendations demonstrate a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and creating opportunities for talented individuals from all backgrounds to excel in the creative industries.
Despite the existing wealth of talent in various fields hailing from the region, the north-west's arts sector has long struggled to attract working-class creatives. In fact, Salford-born actor Christopher Eccleston expressed his disillusionment with the notion that one's socioeconomic status determines their ability to excel in the arts. "If you grow up in the north-west, you don't feel culture and the arts belong to you," he said.
To rectify this situation, the report recommends making class a protected characteristic, similar to race, sex, and religion. Chancellor Afzal sees Greater Manchester as a model for such changes, citing its successful experience with hate crime protection in 2005 when Sophie Lancaster was killed. He believes that by treating class as a core inclusion issue, the region can break down barriers and create a more equitable arts sector.
Another pressing issue highlighted in the report is the scarcity of apprenticeships in the creative industries, which provide a vital entry point for working-class creatives. Currently, only 0.5% of new apprenticeships are allocated to the creative sector, with most applicants receiving few opportunities. In response, The Co-op has launched an ambitious apprenticeship drive, aiming to raise £3 million over three years to support 200 new apprenticeships in Greater Manchester's arts and creative sectors.
The report also proposes several other measures, including the creation of a "Class Champion" role, mandatory public advertising for all sector roles to combat cronyism, and an increase in artistic and creative programs in schools. By implementing these changes, the region hopes to foster a more inclusive and representative arts sector that truly reflects its diverse population.
As Greater Manchester takes steps towards addressing its class ceiling, it serves as a beacon of hope for other regions seeking to do the same. The report's recommendations demonstrate a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and creating opportunities for talented individuals from all backgrounds to excel in the creative industries.
This "Class Ceiling" report is like something outta the movie The Handmaid's Tale - you know, when Offred says "the power of the past is not to be underestimated"? 
Seriously though, it's crazy how class can still be a thing in 2025. I feel like we've made progress on other frontiers, but socioeconomic status is still a major obstacle for talented working-class individuals.
And I'm all about those apprenticeships too - 0.5% is like, what even is that?
The report's suggestions are spot on though - a "Class Champion" role, public advertising for all sector roles... it's like they're straight outta Buffy the Vampire Slayer! 
. Can't we just have a discussion without all this link sharing? I mean, who cares about the Greater Manchester report? It's not like it's relevant to our lives or anything 
. But hey, if making class a protected characteristic is gonna bring more diversity to the arts, cool, I guess 
. And £3 million for apprenticeships? That's actually kinda nice 
. Can't we just have a proper discussion on here without all these fancy suggestions and initiatives? Just give me something to complain about 
The Co-op's apprenticeship drive is also super inspiring 
its time for more opportunities like this, so we can see people from all walks of life making it big in the arts 
, they're finally tackling the elephant in the room - class being a barrier to creatives from working-class backgrounds! i mean, it's just not fair that ppl from humble beginnings can't get into the arts because of their socio-economic status. like, christopher eccleston said it best - "you don't feel culture and the arts belong to you" 
, that's some real talk.
, and this report is just the start. we gotta keep pushing for change until everyone has access to the same creative opportunities 
. The idea of making class a protected characteristic is genius 
. And it's awesome that The Co-op is launching an apprenticeship drive to give working-class creatives a chance to shine 
. Let's hope other regions take note and follow suit 
.
And a "Class Champion" role sounds like exactly what we need – someone to champion those underrepresented voices and make sure everyone has a fair shot.
. The idea of making class a protected characteristic is genius - it's about time we stop judging people based on their background 
. I'm all about that #ClassChampion life and can't wait to see the impact of these changes 
. We need more regions like Greater Manchester doing this kind of work to create real change in the arts sector 
! It's no wonder working-class creatives struggle to break into the industry. The Co-op's apprenticeship drive is a great start, but I hope they actually deliver on their promise and create more opportunities for talented individuals.
! It's about time we see more cronyism in the creative industries come to an end.
. Fingers crossed it becomes a reality soon!
and who knows maybe soon we'll see more actors from salford on screens 
You'd think they'd be trying to break down barriers, not build a wall around opportunities for working-class folks. I mean, if you're from Manchester, does "culture and the arts belong to you"? 
Get real! It's about providing access to resources and programs that don't require a fat bank account or fancy connections. A "Class Champion" role? Sounds like just another title for cronyism. Mandatory public advertising? That's not gonna solve anything, just more noise. Where's the beef?