Resources for Young Creatives
Getting into the creative industries isn’t always easy. It can often feel like everyone already knows someone, or you need tons of experience just to get a foot in the door.
We've created this resource page to signpost young creatives towards some of the best opportunities, funding options, and organisations that can support their creative journey. Whether you’re into art, music, film, fashion, gaming, design, or anything in between, we hope there's something on here that could be useful for you.
This page details national opportunities, but click the button below to find a live resource document with a focus on Brighton and Sussex. We aim to keep this up to date as much as possible and regularly add new opportunities to it. If you know of any we should include, drop us a line with the details to info@lighthouse.org.uk.
National
JOBS / CAREER DEVELOPMENT / FUNDING
Talent Accelerator
A programme which aims to get young people across East Sussex passionate about and into work in our thriving Creative Industries.
www.dlwp.com/talentaccelerator
Artswork
Charity that empowers young people through creativity, so they can build a better future – for themselves and others. They run programmes and projects that pave the way for work in the creative, cultural and heritage sectors.
DYCP (Developing your Creative Practice)
Funding to support individuals who are cultural and creative practitioners and want to take time to focus on their creative development.
Creative Lives in Progress
Creative Lives in Progress transforming how emerging creatives access, understand, and connect with the industry. They provide free resources, including guides giving advice on topics ranging from portfolios and interviews, an opportunities board, and regular events like portfolio reviews and networking sessions.
Create Jobs
Sharing paid opportunities from London’s creative, cultural & digital sectors.
Instagram @create_jobs | community.createjobslondon.org/opportunities
ERIC
Creative Careers app for young people looking to upskill & get experience in the creative industries. Thousands of internships, apprenticeships and events. Whether you're interested in fashion, film, gaming, music, or any other creative field, ERIC curates a daily feed of entry-level opportunities to help you build your skills, CV, and confidence.
Funding With Mina
Advice and support with funding applications
Instagram @fundingwithmina | fundingwithmina.substack.com
Arts Council Project Grants
National Lottery Project Grants is the Arts Council's open access programme for arts, libraries and museums projects. The fund supports thousands of individual practitioners, community and cultural organisations.
www.artscouncil.org.uk/ProjectGrants
The Elephant Trust
The Trust was set up in 1975 to make it possible for artists and those presenting their work to undertake and complete projects when frustrated by lack of funds. It is committed to helping artists and art institutions/galleries that depart from the routine and signal new, distinct and imaginative sets of possibilities.
British Council Travel Grants
Offer grants to help Short and Feature filmmakers, and XR creatives, travel to international events where their work is being screened.
film.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/short-film-travel-grant
Disability Arts Online
An organisation led by disabled people, set up to advance disability arts and culture. Check out their free artist development sessions.
I Like Networking
A career platform for women and non-binary people in the creative industries. Visit their resources page for career, networking, and cover letter guides.
White Pube
Check out their funding library for successful grant application examples and advice, and their working class creatives grant.
Working Class Creatives Database
The Working Class Creatives Database aims to facilitate a space that puts working-class creatives at the forefront; A space for conversation, connections, and sharing of opportunities, skills, and knowledge.
www.workingclasscreativesdatabase.co.uk
Youth Opportunities
A platform offering curated early career and skill-building opportunities for young people up to age 30. It features roles, fellowships, competitions, and volunteer positions across the country.
Credit: Cassie Riches
About Lighthouse
Lighthouse is a digital arts charity based in Brighton & Hove, dedicated to supporting marginalised, new, and established creatives who use digital technology in their work. We sit at the intersection of art, technology and social change, creating spaces, experiences, and connections that nurture underrepresented voices. Our programmes focus on training and developing young people aged 16–30 who are often excluded from the creative sector due to socio-economic barriers. Our vision is an innovative industry that is diverse, inclusive, and accessible to all, regardless of background.
Lighthouse Young Creatives (LYC) is a six-month professional and personal development scheme in Brighton for young people aged 16-25 the skills, confidence and connections they need to kickstart a career in the creative industries.
Future Creative Leaders (FCL) is a 12-month paid programme offering young creatives from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to work closely with Lighthouse's leadership team to explore various aspects of creative leadership.
