Equal-Works

Background 

WAC Performing Arts and Media College began 30 years ago as Weekend Arts College, offering training in the arts for young people from low income families. WAC now offers high level professional-standard classes to enable those young people with talent to be in a position to apply to conservatories and specialist training in order to further their education.

WAC has an accredited training centre for NVQs and works to support the growth of small businesses in the cultural industries, and to facilitate the development of artists' careers. WAC has a national and international reputation for innovative ways of teaching and learning, offering access to cutting edge media and arts projects. It is involved in a number of strategic research projects and partnerships aiming to influence the development of the education system. 

Aim

The main aim of WAC's Last Mile project was to provide training, mentoring and business support to young BME artists to facilitate their journey into freelance work, employment and business sustainability. WAC seeks to develop innovative practices focused on the engagement and support of excluded groups into the marketplace (creative industries). WAC further seeks to work with other sectors represented by the Last Mile Partnership and to lead on the Creative Apprenticeship Development.

Activities

WAC seeks to contribute to project activity by delivering workshops, specialised training, masterclasses, e-learning, positive action support within the creative industries, and continued professional development for creatives.  

Target groups 

WAC's activity is particularly focused on socially excluded minorities and is designed to provide realistic and meaningful experiences of work in the creative cultural industries and new forms of social capital.

This partner was not involved in Round One.

WAC worked with 212 beneficiaries, exceeding the original target of 120.

WAC worked to equip trainees from communities currently underrepresented in the broadcast industries with the relevant skills and training to gain entry-level employment positions, and to help them develop contacts within the industry to gain placements and employment. Promotionally, WAC developed a MySpace page that showcases the work of their musicians. Also, in trying to raise awareness about the lack of diversity in performing arts training at all levels, funding issues of the course were covered in the Stage, The Guardian and the Camden New Journal.

WAC provided business support to a number of creative companies: a film and video company was supported in the purchase of equipment and establishing a work base; one web design and IT solutions company was supported in setting up a base and in  applications for funding for training programmes; one performance company was supported in building a web site and accessing a rehearsal space. WAC supported third year diploma students in the transition to work with showcasing, mentoring and careers advice. Two students gained six-month contracts to perform abroad as dancers, one student gained a contract to perform at the Globe. By the end of July 2007, all nine graduating students gained professional work. 46 Arco Plus students achieved Level 2 and Level 3 creative qualifications and 29 moved onto mainstream arts or media training in FE and HE.

WAC also supported young students going into work placements: six students were selected for a four-week internship on an Anthony Minghella feature film, shot entirely in Camden Town. All students completed the placement successfully and received very positive references from the film company.

Trainees went into 13 new industry jobs and there were 34 changes of jobs (i.e. people freelancing or hopping between part-time jobs). There were also 28 industry placements found for trainees.