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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in the creative industry and develop essential skills.
- Company: Join Somerset House, a leading arts organisation committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Earn £28,860/year, enjoy 25 days holiday, and access exclusive events.
- Why this job: Kickstart your creative career while making a real impact in the arts.
- Qualifications: Open to ages 18-25 from underrepresented communities; enthusiasm for the arts is key.
- Other info: Participate in workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities throughout the year.
The predicted salary is between 28860 - 28860 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 22 February 2026
Department: Inclusive Talent Engagement
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: London
Compensation: £28,860 / year
Creative Industry Placement is a 12-month, career development opportunity which provides professional pathways into the creative industries, with a strong focus on supporting underrepresented talent. Now in its sixth year, the programme nurtures the next generation to build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in the creative workplace. This placement offers five creative participants ages 18-25 with hands-on experience working in an arts organisation, building insight into how a creative business is run. Roles will range from day-to-day management through to programming and operations.
Creative Industry Placements helps to shift representation in the creative sector by opening up exciting, fairly paid entry routes into the sector.
This placement is designed for those:
- Who are interested in learning about creative industries and want to forge pathways into the cultural sector
- Who want to develop networks, transferable skills, build a dynamic and creative portfolio
- Who want to nurture professional skills, creative confidence, and workplace readiness
Placement Structure
The structure of the five Creative Industry Placement pathways will be divided as follows:
- 4 x Creative Placements will experience a two-part pathway:
- 1 x 6-month placement (Phase 1: April – October 2026)
- 1 x 6-month placement (Phase 2: November 2026 – April 2027)
- 1 x 12-month placement (Phase 1 + 2: April 2026 – April 2027)
Placement Pathways
- Pathway One: Phase 1 with Headlong Theatre, Phase 2 with Hofesh Shechter Company
- Pathway Two: Phase 1 with Marketing Team (Somerset House Trust), Phase 2 with The Booker Prize Foundation
- Pathway Three: Phase 1 with Live Events Team (Somerset House Trust), Phase 2 with Somerset House Exchange
- Pathway Four: Phase 1 with KitMapper, Phase 2 with Exhibitions Team (Somerset House Trust)
- Pathway Five: Phase 1 + Phase 2 with Somerset House Studios
Who the Creative Industry Placements are for
Upgrade Yourself Creative Industry Placement is for people aged between 18-25 who identify as belonging to a community that is underrepresented within the cultural sector. For those who are interested in developing entry level skills in a creative organisation. Please do not apply if this does not apply to you.
The Inclusive Talent Engagement Team values talent, potential and willingness over experience. We are committed to understanding the challenges that young people face and supporting their goals by creating opportunities that help them to achieve them. The programme doesn’t require any pre-requisites, but an enthusiasm for the arts and willingness to learn is important.
We acknowledge that particular communities are underrepresented in the creative sector. Particularly those who identify as:
- Ethnically diverse and/or Global majority
- Differently abled or Living with a disability
We acknowledge that other identities face barriers in many ways not mentioned above, including:
- LGBTQIA+ and/or non-binary
- Neurodivergent
- Affected by a long-term health conditions or impairment
- Affected by homelessness
- Care-leaver/carer
- Unemployed and/or have received welfare benefits
- Migrant or refugee status
We also acknowledge that people face barriers in many ways not mentioned above, and we are open to hearing from anyone who considers themselves to be underrepresented in the creative sector.
How being on a placement benefits you
In addition to being an employee within a creative team in an arts organisation, time on the programme will also involve in-depth wraparound programming, which will include:
- Workshops
- Monthly mentoring sessions
- Off-site visits to other arts organisations
You will also receive all employee benefits from Somerset House trust. These include:
- The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites including free access to a number of other galleries and museums
- Invitations to private Somerset House events
- Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
- Discount to local leisure centres
- One-year membership to the Exchange co-working space
Holiday:
- Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Birthday leave - additional day leave on or within a week of your birthday
- Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice
Upgrade Yourself - Creative Industry Placements 26/27 in City of Westminster employer: Somerset House
Contact Detail:
Somerset House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Upgrade Yourself - Creative Industry Placements 26/27 in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the creative industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Create a portfolio that highlights your skills and projects. Whether it’s artwork, writing, or any other creative endeavour, make sure it reflects your unique style. This will help you stand out when you’re applying for placements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisations you’re applying to. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only impress them but also help you figure out how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are keen to join our community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your career in the creative sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Upgrade Yourself - Creative Industry Placements 26/27 in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for the arts and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific placement. Highlight your interest in the creative industries and how you fit into our mission of supporting underrepresented talent. Show us why you’re a great match!
Show Enthusiasm: We love seeing enthusiasm! Make sure to express your eagerness to learn and grow within the creative sector. Share any relevant experiences or skills that demonstrate your commitment to developing your career.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset House
✨Know Your Creative Passion
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on what draws you to the creative industries. Be ready to share your enthusiasm for the arts and how it aligns with the role. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Research the Organisation
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their work will allow you to tailor your answers and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the placement, the team, and the projects you might be involved in. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Transferable Skills
Even if you don’t have direct experience, think about skills from other areas of your life that could apply to this role. Whether it's teamwork, creativity, or problem-solving, be ready to discuss how these skills can benefit the organisation and your future colleagues.
