Creative Media Students Showcase Talent at Class in the Creative Sector Exhibition

The Manchester College students highlight social mobility issues at creative sector event.

The Manchester College's creative media students were recently invited to feature their work at the Class in the Creative Sector exhibition, an event aimed at increasing working-class representation in the creative industries. 

Earlier in the year, the Social Mobility Foundation challenged our students to create graphics, illustrations, and animations promoting the organisation’s mission to unlock potential, broaden horizons and create opportunities for working-class young creatives.

Creative media students Derian, Hannah, Roxanne, Lily, Phoebe and Claire all produced work for the social media campaign, helping the Social Mobility Foundation increase awareness of the lack of social mobility in the creative sector.

This provided our students with the opportunity to network with industry employers and gain visibility on their work.

Class in the Creative Sector was co-hosted by UK charity The Social Mobility Foundation, the Common People community for working-class creatives, and the award-winning communications agency Citypress.

Creative Media Tutor Katy Rushton spoke about the partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation, saying: "Working with the Social Mobility Foundation has been such an important project. The students used their experiences that aligned with SMF's values to tell stories through illustration and animation. 

“I'm really proud of all the students involved and it's lovely we get to celebrate their work at this event.”

Sarah Atkinson, CEO of the Social Mobility Foundation, discussed the importance of the event, saying: "The creative sector has a diversity problem. Just 26% of people in creative jobs are from working-class backgrounds, and people from privileged backgrounds are twice as likely to land a job in the industry.” 

Speaking about The Manchester College's involvement, Sarah continued: "We are delighted that the event will showcase the work of the talented students at The Manchester College. It has been wonderful to work with the students and staff at the College. 

"They've helped us bring a fresh perspective to our branding and given support to the next generation of creatives."

Head of Department Quality Creative Industries Linda McCarthy added, “The Manchester College has an inclusive education approach for all regardless of a person’s starting point. The event highlighted how we can ensure social mobility issues are explored further for our wide range of students.”

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