Amazon has introduced a new grant program, offering up to £30,000 to organizations in Somerset dedicated to supporting individuals from underserved communities pursuing careers in creative fields such as fashion, music, film, and gaming. This initiative, called the Regional Creatives Fund, targets charities and nonprofits that assist people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those with disabilities and neurodiverse conditions, enabling greater access to creative industry opportunities.
Research highlights that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented in creative sectors. For instance, a study by The Sutton Trust found that young adults from working-class families are four times less likely to enter creative careers compared to their middle-class counterparts. Similarly, Arts Council England reports that only 9% of the creative workforce identifies as disabled, despite 22% of the general working-age population having a disability.
To address these disparities, the Regional Creatives Fund invites applications from single organizations and consortiums running skills development and training programs focused on promoting inclusivity in creative careers. Individual organizations can apply for grants up to £30,000, while consortiums may be eligible for up to £100,000 in funding.
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Beyond financial assistance, Amazon leverages its network of creative professionals from Amazon Music, Prime Video, Amazon Games, and more to provide mentoring, work experience, placement opportunities, and digital training aimed at enhancing skills for both organizations and their beneficiaries.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the importance of nurturing diverse creative talent across the UK, stating, “I want every young person to have the opportunity to build a successful career within the creative industries, which is one of this country’s greatest assets. The Regional Creatives Fund will spotlight homegrown talent nationwide and help people contribute meaningfully to our national story.”
Organizations in Somerset and across the UK can apply for the fund until August 31 and help empower more people from underserved communities to thrive in the creative industries.