Working class creatives are struggling to break into and are leaving the arts, a new inquiry has warned. Class Ceiling, led by RISE Associates along with the Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Nazir Afzal OBE, and Avis Gilmore, former Deputy General Secretary of one of Europe’s biggest trade unions, has carried out research into the lived experiences of creatives across Greater Manchester. It found that barriers preventing working class talent from succeeding included class-based discrimination, low pay, a lack of connections and exploitative practices.

Less than half of creatives surveyed (44%) said they earned enough to make a living, with many requiring second jobs; 51% of respondents said they had experienced bullying, harassment or bias based on their social class; just 18% of respondents said they saw their lived experiences widely represented in the art form they practice and only 22% said they personally knew anyone working in the arts when they were growing up.

Featuring over 150 hours of interviews with artists ranging from teenage musicians and mid-career arts workers to globally recognised playwrights and BAFTA and Emmy winning screenwriters, the Inquiry found anger, despair and seeds of hope in the voices they heard.

Co-Chair Nazir Afzal, who is also the Chair of the Lowry theatre, said this was an opportunity for Greater Manchester to lead the way on a national challenge and build a better sector “where talent is discovered everywhere, nurtured properly, paid fairly and allowed to rise.”

Among the Inquiry’s 21 recommendations are measures to include class as a protected characteristic, the appointment of a Class Champion, a drive to increase apprenticeships, measures to decasualise labour and a co-ordinating body led by the GMCA to marshal resources, spot gaps and join up best practice.

As well as highlighting structural failings, the Inquiry also shines a light on many changemakers who are working hard to widen participation and make a difference. This includes institutions such as the Co-op who have to campaign for more apprenticeships.

Claire Costello, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at Co-op explained: “Our Co-op believes everyone, whatever their background, should be able to access opportunities in the arts and creative sector throughout Greater Manchester. Apprenticeships can provide a ‘stepping stone’ for future careers, that’s why Co-op is encouraging Greater Manchester employers to share unspent apprenticeship levy funds to raise £3 million over three years to support 200 new apprenticeships in the arts and creative sector throughout Greater Manchester.”

The Inquiry’s findings are being launched on January 26th at an event at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, where the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, is due to speak. The report can be downloaded here.

Published: 21-01-2026