Nearly half of Brits believe kids should avoid jobs in the arts over fears it’s not a ‘viable’ career

FOUR in 10 adults think kids should avoid a job in the arts because they fear it’s not a ‘viable’ career.

A poll of 2,000 adults, including parents, found 45 per cent believe the odds of making it in this sector are too low, and children are likely to find work hard to come by.

Will Ireland/PinPep

Beverley Knight, Sky Arts Awards juror and renowned entertainer, stands alongside a team of Arts Heroes at The Roundhouse. Taking place this September, The Sky Arts Awards is the only ceremony that recognises the full spectrum of the arts, including the people behind-the-scenes whose invaluable contributions make the arts possible.[/caption]

Will Ireland/PinPep

Beverley Knight, Sky Arts Awards juror and renowned entertainer, stands alongside a team of Arts Heroes at The Roundhouse. Taking place this September, The Sky Arts Awards is the only ceremony that recognises the full spectrum of the arts, including the people behind-the-scenes whose invaluable contributions make the arts possible. Featured in the photo are Cameron – Events Coordinator, Malgorzata – Housekeeping Supervisor, Jack – Venue Technician, Natasha – Hairstylist, Lan – Makeup-artist, Trushna – Events Manager, Andre – Designer, Adele – Personal Assistant, Karl – Stylist, James – Corporate Partnerships Coordinator, Daniel – Apprentice Venue Technician, Tom – Senior Technician, Betty – Creative Programme Coordinator.[/caption]

However, 84 per cent admitted that prior to their participation in the study they weren’t aware 3.5 million people have careers in the arts.

While 28 per cent had never considered the range of roles in this area – instead thinking about the artists themselves rather than those who work behind the scenes.

Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts which commissioned the research to launch the new Sky Arts Awards, said: “The opportunities available in the arts world are more considerable than you might think.

“Working in ‘the arts’ doesn’t necessarily mean you’re up on stage, on screen or displaying paintings in a gallery.

“In fact, there are over 650 different roles available to someone who wants a job in the arts, from operating cameras to running the box office, making the sets, lighting the stages, feeding the crew, and maintaining our most impressive and vital arts venues.

“We think these roles deserve some recognition too.”

The study also found 79 per cent think there are many unsung heroes hard at work, with 26 per cent admitting they never think about who works behind the scenes to make a show happen.

While 27 per cent have at some point in the past, considered a career in the arts.

But 43 per cent of these were encouraged to change their mind and career path – with only 25 per cent sticking it out and making a success of it.

Of all adults polled, 53 per cent believe there are huge misconceptions about the value of working in the arts.

And of those parents who took part in the research, via OnePoll, 36 per cent have children who are interested in an arts career.

But, 33 per cent encouraged them to go for it – hoping they’ll change their mind later down the line.

Phil Edgar-Jones added: “We believe that the arts are crucial to our society, our economy and our culture. But they have been devalued in recent years.

“By shining a light on all the incredible British talent both in front of and behind the scenes as part of the Sky Arts Awards, we hope to play our part in reminding people why this is such a vital industry.”