Research

A survey conducted by the British Film Institute and ERIC, a careers platform for young people, has found that a “significant” gap in careers guidance for young people aged 13 to 16 presents a major block for new entrants to join the sector.

Their report, based on interviews with over 500 young people and 250 careers advisors in schools across the UK, found that 93% of surveyed careers teams received requests for careers advice in the screen industries but felt “majorly ill-equipped” to provide accurate guidance.

The study found that 83% of young people weren’t aware of screen industries guidance being available at their schools and that 70% of careers teams thought it was very hard to get jobs in film and TV. 

Despite this, it found “hugely encouraging” levels of interest in the sector from surveyed young people.

Two thirds wanted to hear about careers in the screen industries while 93% of career teams reported receiving requests for guidance about careers in the sector.

Rapid growth in the industry is contributing to a shortage of crew, meaning stronger routes into the sector are needed to help meet demand, the BFI said.

“It is obvious that current approaches are not engaging or informing young people effectively and I look forward to finding new ways to help strengthen the provision of screen industries career guidance in schools through stronger links with careers professionals, schools and industry,” said Leigh Adams, Director of Education and Learning at the BFI.

Primary recommendations included in the report are to start as early as possible, be visible, provide up-to-date information and tools, use social media and build relationships with key touchpoints.

Children could benefit from an average of 65 minutes dedicated to the arts each day, according to new research.

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for the arts was built using insights from 504 primary school teachers surveyed across the UK and guidance from child psychologist Laverne Antrobus.

It is published by Sky Arts to coincide with the launch of Access All Arts week, a nationwide arts initiative for primary schools taking place until June 10.

The RDA breaks down to 17 minutes dedicated to literature, 14 minutes to art, 12 minutes to music, 11 minutes to drama and 11 minutes to dancing.

Antrobus says the RSA for arts is a "brilliant way to put a simple framework around the importance it holds for children and their development".

"Having the opportunity to paint, to dance, to write poetry has huge wellbeing benefits for a young child, helping them to develop self-confidence and a positive self image.

"Access to the arts helps to build creative skills which are likely to be in demand later in life – for example, problem-solving and imagination."

The Wallace Collection in London is Europe’s best free gallery, according to a study by the Knowledge Academy.

Researchers used data from TripAdvisor, comparing scores from the website’s star rating system for galleries with more than 500 reviews. 

A Bayesian average was calculated to give each gallery a score out of 100, based on a weighted average obtained from the number of reviews relating to each star rating.

The Wallace Collection scored of 94.5/100 - 0.1 more than second place, Panayia Evanyelistria Cathedral and Museums in Tinos, Greece - with Dublin’s Chester Beatty in third place.

Eight of the top ten galleries were in the UK, including three other venues in London. The National Gallery was placed fifth, V&A seventh and the British Museum ninth.

Plymouth College of Art has been approved for university status and changed its name to Arts University Plymouth.

The institution, founded in 1856, has been granted full university status following approval by the Privy Council. It becomes the third university in the city in addition to University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marjon University.

"This exciting news recognises the quality of the work already taking place," said Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Arts University Plymouth.

"Achieving full university status is just our latest evolution in over 160 years of leading specialist arts education in the South West and internationally.

"Their tireless work has enabled us to demonstrate the value of arts education to students, to the UK economy and to a world that needs creatives now more than ever."

"Our vision for Arts University Plymouth is a new kind of art school for the 21st century, preparing graduates who are uniquely placed to provide creative solutions to the complex problems faced by modern society."

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) is calling on people working in the music industry to complete a short survey on discrimination in the music sector.

The survey aims to find whether there has there been any cultural change in the sector since the ISM’s last report, or if those working in music, including education, are still subject to inappropriate behaviours and discrimination.

It covers all protected characteristics as defined in the Equality Act 2010 and will inform the body's future reports and campaigning work, including formulating meaningful solutions that will affect culture.

“We need a music sector that is as open, inclusive, and safe as possible.” ISM President Vick Bain said.

“I understand that we are asking people to tell us about extremely difficult times in their lives, every response is anonymous and will be treated with respect. There is help and support out there, and more details can be found on the ISM website.”