Platforms and collectives for working-class creatives
If you’ve ever felt like the creative industry wasn’t built with you in mind, you’re not alone. Across the UK, working-class creatives are joining forces to make things fairer – creating spaces to connect, collaborate and find support. From grassroots collectives to national mentoring schemes, these communities are breaking down barriers and opening up new routes into creative work.
Breaking into the creative industry is challenging at the best of times – but it’s even harder if you come from a working-class or low-income background. Despite growing conversations around access and representation, the numbers tell a worrying story: the proportion of working-class people in UK creative roles has fallen from 26% in 2020 to 19% in 2023 (ArtsProfessional, 2025).
In some sectors, the gap is even wider. Only 8.4% of people working in film, TV, radio and photography come from working-class backgrounds (The Guardian, 2024) — while research by Creative Access found that 64% of respondents believe working-class people are under-represented in their industry, and 73% of working-class respondents cite a lack of senior working-class representation as a major barrier (Creative Access, 2024).
In response, working-class creatives across the UK are taking matters into their own hands – building collectives, networks and platforms that push for change from the ground up. Here are eight leading the way.
Working Arts Club
When Meg Molloy founded Working Arts Club, her aim was simple: to create the space she wished had existed earlier in her career. The London-based community now brings together people from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds in the visual arts, hosting relaxed meet-ups, talks and networking events that make the art world feel a little less exclusive.
Short Supply
Based in Manchester, Short Supply has become a cornerstone for early-career and underrepresented artists in the North. Co-directed by Mollie and Rebekah Balshaw, the collective runs exhibitions, workshops and its MADE IT graduate prize — all designed to platform regional, queer and working-class artists who deserve the spotlight.
Women Working Class
Part collective, part consciousness-raising space, Women Working Class brings together artists and producers to talk honestly about class, identity and access in the arts. The group hosts discussions, publishes resources and carves out space for working-class women to imagine more inclusive, representative art worlds.
Scottish Working Class Network
A community-led network providing a platform for Scottish working-class artists to share their work, connect with peers and challenge class barriers in the arts. The group regularly spotlights creatives from across Scotland and amplifies conversations around access, identity and representation within the country’s cultural scene.
Working Class Creatives Database
WCCD started as a simple idea: to make working-class creatives visible. Today, it’s a national platform and community connecting artists through exhibitions, residencies and peer support. Founded by Seren Metcalfe and Chanelle Windas, the organisation continues to push for systemic change while celebrating the breadth of talent within its network.
Common People Toolkit
Part digital platform, part newsletter, Common People Toolkit gathers resources, toolkits and stories that demystify how the creative industry works. Built for and by working-class creatives, it’s a space for practical advice, shared experiences and solidarity.
Creative Mentor Network
Mentorship is at the heart of Creative Mentor Network’s mission. Since 2014, the charity has paired young people from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds with mentors across the creative industries – while also training professionals to build fairer, more inclusive workplaces.
Museum as Muck
This collective of “Muckers” — working-class professionals in museums, galleries and heritage — is driving change from within the sector. Founded in 2018, the network offers advocacy, peer support and a space to share experiences, while championing class diversity across cultural institutions.
