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Creative Shift: diversity in the creative industries

What we do

Creative Shift believe in shaping a diverse creative industry and support underrepresented students to make a living doing what they love.

Join the Creative Shift community to gain access to industry contacts from diverse backgrounds, work on co-created projects and access funding to help kick start your creative career! You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and know-how within a collaborative environment with your peers and industry professionals. So whether you’d like to freelance, start up your own business or work in industry, our programme is tailored to support you on your creative journey.

Our projects mirror the future of the creative industries and the diverse voices that contribute to this. We want you to feel empowered to enter the creative industry as your most authentic self.

How to get involved

Follow our student-led creative network 'Connect To' on Instagram: @Connect2network for competitions, student created content and paid work opportunities.

Or email us at creativeshift@arts.ac.uk

Who we support

Creative Shift, part of UAL Careers & Employability, are a team dedicated to supporting students who meet the following criteria, in line with UAL’s Access and Participation Plan (PDF 350KB):

You must currently be a Home (UK) student studying on an undergraduate degree course at UAL and one or more of the following statements apply to you:

  • I am a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic student.
  • My parent(s)/ guardian(s) have not completed a University Degree.
  • I receive the UAL bursary.
  • I am a care leaver or care giver.
  • I am disabled according to the Equality Act 2010.
  • I have taken part in the UAL Insights programme.

Creative Shift will also consider students on a case by case basis when a referral has been made by UAL staff. Please refer students to us by emailing creativeshift@arts.ac.uk. Decisions will be made by at least 2 managers of the Creative Shift team.

If you need a reason to know why community is important for creatives coming into the industry, look no further than the Creative Shift. It's easy to get lost when starting off, but Creative Shift make sure that you get the advice, connections and support you need to hit the ground running.

-  Amos Eretusi, Founder: The Kusp
I wish I had something like Creative Shift when I entered the industry. The fact that there’s space and support for you regardless of which creative field you want to explore is fantastic, because representation is needed almost everywhere and Creative Shift not only recognise that, they do something about it.

— Abraham Abbi Asefaw, Co-founder: Pop-Up Agency
The huge range of support I received from Creative Shift built my confidence massively to be my own director and to push my practice forward.

— Chantelle, Student: Central Saint Martins
I was missing a space where I could openly learn about other things happening in the creative world, or where I could share ideas that I had. Being part of the Creative Shift community, filled this gap: I was able to come learn, listen and share. By creating a welcoming, safe and supportive space, I felt encouraged to share my ideas and ask for help with realising them.

— Renatha, Student: London College of Fashion

Get involved

  • Illustration of a woman reading her book
    Illustration by Jada Bogle
    Home: a live brief from Creative Shift and not just a shop  

    Want to see your designs on the high street? Apply for this live brief from Creative Shift and not just a shop. Over 6 weeks you’ll design homeware that could be stocked in a London store.

  • Illustration of a man on a unicycle
    Illustration by Jorje Garcia Rodondo
    Creative Shift Masterclasses

    Want to make money from your social media, find new jobs, promote your work or build an online community? These masterclasses are for you.

  • Group of staff from UAL's Creative Shift team
    Members of the Creative Shift team
    Creative Shift check-ins  

    Get helpful advice in these weekly online check-ins. Develop your peer network, share thoughts and receive resources to motivate and support you in your career.

  • Group of students and staff
    Group of students at a Connect To meet up
    Connect To Meet Ups  

    Join our student-led network, designed to bridge the gap between education and industry through collaboration between students, staff and industry experts.

Our projects

  • Students taking photographs of each other as part of the photography project through the Connect To student group.
    Student photography project. Image by the Connect To group.
    Connect To

    Join our student-led creative network for the chance to collaborate on projects with students, UAL staff and industry professionals.

  • A colourful graphic with the word 'gradual' overlaid
    Design by Jai Tyler
    Gradual podcasts  

    Explore the questions and challenges that many new graduates will face. Listen to unfiltered stories from creative professionals.

  • Mentoring at Artsmart 2015 with Sharmadean Reid
    Photographer: Ivan Jones. Designer: Adam Hayes.,
    Professional mentoring

    Apply to be matched with an industry mentor to support you with your career and the steps you need to take to get there.

  • A group of students inside the artist Sokari Douglas Camp's studio which is full of photographs and sculptures
    A group of students inside the artist Sokari Douglas Camp's studio. Image by Jai Tyler.
    Visits out

    See behind the scenes of creative companies, meet professionals, build your network, ask questions and understand the roles available.

  • illustration of womens' hands in the air
    Illustration by Nia Hefe Filiogianni
    Women+ in leadership

    Read about our programme of events and activities set up to inspire and empower women+ to break through the glass ceiling.

  • Photo of an employer talking to two students
    Part Time Jobs Fair 2018. Photo by Unai Mateo
    Brands and employers

    Want to work with young, capable students with fresh perspectives and ideas? Find out how your company can partner with us.